Income Tax Officer K. Lokesh reported that Vijayanagara district has 17,000 income taxpayers and collected ₹17 crore in income tax in the last financial year.
During the 165th foundation day of the Income Tax Department on Wednesday, Lokesh highlighted that there have been no income tax raids in the district over the past two years. Instead, efforts have focused on advising, guiding, and persuading residents to pay their taxes.
“Following the decline in mining, tax payments have decreased. However, tourism and hotels remain significant sources of income tax. Continuous efforts are underway to identify and inform tax evaders, ensuring compliance, with the cooperation of the department’s auditors. Measures are also in place to prevent employers from attempting tax evasion,” Lokesh stated.
The event also featured remarks from district income tax officer Vijayasarathy, GST assistant commissioner Thirumuganathan, chartered accountant Rabindranath Gupta, district commerce and industry president Ashwin Kothambari, and contractor Tirupathi Naidu, who objected to higher interest rates compared to penalties in GST matters.
Retired department officers C. Ayyanna, Vijay Sindagi, Rekha Prakash, and Income Tax Practitioner Ravi were honored. The program concluded with a captivating dance performance by artists from Anjali Natyakala Sangha.
