Chandigarh: Customers will get a chance to win a cash prize of Rs 50,000 if they help Punjab Excise and Taxation Department in checking tax evasion.
In a bid to check tax evasion, the department has planned to connect with customers through a newly-developed mobile app called 'Apna Tax' which was launched today in Ludhiana. Through the app, tax sleuths can keep a check on unscrupulous traders who evade tax despite issuing bills to customers.
Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (DETC), Ludhiana JK Jain said the app will help check tax evasion by shopkeepers, businessmen or traders.
He said at times, traders, at the time of billing, charge tax to their customers, but do not submit the same with the department.
"This is a very serious offence and the department will not tolerate it," he said, adding that the department wants to connect "directly" with the customers through the app.
"All they (customers) need to do is upload a copy of the bill using the Apna Tax app," said Jain.
"Once the bill is submitted through the app, the customer will be automatically eligible for the cash prize. The name of the winner will be announced after a monthly lucky draw," he added.
"If the department gets hold of a particular bill for which tax has not been paid by the trader to the department, the customer shall stand a chance to win a cash prize five times the value of the bill (excluding VAT and tax-free goods). The maximum value of the cash prize will be Rs 50,000 and entries from the first to the last day of the month shall be considered," said Jain.
The lucky draw would be held on the 15th day of the month and a minimum of 10 cash prizes would be given away every month, he said, adding that the first draw would be conducted on August 15.
Jain urged the people to make use of this facility and contribute their bit in checking tax evasion. He said every person should insist on proper bills at the time of buying something and people should understand that the amount collected from taxes would ultimately be spent on their welfare.
