Thank You, says Income Tax department to taxpayers

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: If you get a 'Certificate of Appreciation' in your mailbox from the income tax department, do not be surprise nor do not think it's a spam mail – it's an actual letter of appreciation from the tax department.

Known for harassing taxpayers over the years, sometimes including innocent ones, the I-T Department is taking a new step for an image changeover – thanking taxpayers in the form of a certificate.

The certificate is signed by CBDT chairman Rani Singh Nair. It mentions the taxpayer's name and permanent account number (PAN) and acknowledges the taxpayer's contribution "towards building of this great Nation".

According to a report in The Times of India, the certificate comes in three categories – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Bronze is for those contributing between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and form a majority of the taxpayers while those who paid Rs 10-50 lakh have been put in the silver category. Those who contributed Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore have been put in the gold club, the report said adding that very few were put in the platinium category, i.e. those who contributed over Rs 1 crore.

The 'Certificate of Appreciation' have been sent to taxpayers who cleared their entire liability, have no outstanding tax liabilities and had filed their returns electronically by July 31, which was the last date to do so, the report added.

Now, that is some good gesture from the tax department that has been known to harass taxpayers.