(a) the country-wise details of overseas income tax units established by the Government;
(b) whether the Government has got useful information from these units;
(c) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;
(d) whether the Government proposes to set up more such units in other countries; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)
(a) Madam, Income-tax Overseas Units (ITOUs) manned by tax officers at the level of First Secretary have been established
in Mauritius and Singapore. Further, posting orders in respect of officers to be posted to newly created ITOUs in Indian missions at Cyprus, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, UAE, UK and USA have been issued. The relieving of these 8 officers to join their respective ITOU is pending for finaiisation of terms & conditions of their posting by Ministry of External Affairs.
(b) & (c) Yes Madam. The ITOUs in Mauritius and Singapore facilitate and expedite the exchange of information process under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with these countries. However, the information received cannot be disclosed as it is governed by the confidentiality clause of the respective DTAA with these countries.
(d) & (e) Inter-departmental consultations are going on to examine such a need.