The BCAS Foundation through its RTI Clinic is the only association which along with other issues, guides people in I-T related cases, all free of cost
By PTI
Mumbai : Those running from pillar to post to get their Income Tax (I-T) refund dues can seek solace in Right to Information (RTI) Act, which is fast becoming a potent tool to get refund faster.
“Earlier, people’s efforts to get their dues cleared from the I-T department went in vain. However RTI made the department promptly release the refund to applicants,” Bombay Chartered Accountants’ Society (BCAS) Foundation Trustee and past president and senior RTI activist Narayan Varma told PTI.
The BCAS Foundation through its RTI Clinic headed by Varma, is the only association which along with other issues, guides people in I-T related cases, all free of cost.
“In past one year, 20 applications have been sent to the department. All the applicants have successfully received their dues. We have got back almost Rs10 lakh,” Varma said.
Gita Rai had a meagre annual income of Rs1.15 lakh. She was entitled to get refund of Rs40,995. Her refund was pending since year ending 31 March 2001.
“Inspite numerous requests, the department was unresponsive. Finally she approached the RTI Clinic of BCAS and applied for her dues on 29 March. She got her dues back within a month on 26 April. Her total refund amounted to Rs. 56,833. Of this, I-T Returns was Rs. 40,077 and interest Rs16,756,” he said.
In case of Nicholai Varma, his refund was pending for a decade from assessment years 1996-97 to 2005-06. The total amount was Rs. 87,538. He got the entire amount within one year of sending first application under RTI.