TAXPAYERS will now have to procure a 'new number' for filing returns and making any communication with the income tax (I-T) department.
The unique document identification number (DIN), on the lines of numbers like permanent account number (PAN) and tax deduction and collection account number (TAN), will be quoted on every income tax-related communication, including returns to be filed next year for the financial year 201011.
According to the new guidelines brought out by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the DIN will be mandatory in respect of every notice, order, letter or any correspondence with the department, by the taxpayers.
"The DIN will be generated by the IT department and will be useful, essentially, for error-free filing of tax returns, claiming refunds and other communication with the department by the assesses," a senior finance ministry official said.
"The 'Aykar Sampark Kendras' will hand out the DIN from this month," the official added.
"I-T officials will also be allotted the numbers in order to streamline the process," the official said, adding, the number has to be produced thereon for every activity with the department.
Taxpayers and tax collectors are currently required to quote PAN and TAN among others when returns are filed with the department.
