FM Sitharaman Urges Tax Officials to Give Honest Taxpayers Opportunity to Correct Bona Fide Errors

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged income tax officials to distinguish between wilful tax evasion and genuine mistakes.

She emphasized adopting a taxpayer-friendly approach and allowing honest taxpayers to correct bona fide errors.

Speaking at the 167th Income Tax Day celebrations in New Delhi on July 24, she stated enforcement powers should be exercised with humility and fairness.

Sitharaman called for viewing taxpayers as partners in economic growth, not merely assessees.

She stressed deepening voluntary compliance, simplifying taxpayer experience, and using technology responsibly.