A significant number of Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Income Tax officials are waiting till the last date to file their Immovable Property Returns (IPRs). The last date for 2024 is January 31. As on September 1, 2024, there are over 10,000 Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officials in the Income Tax Department.

“A significant number of employees are yet to file IPRs. As experienced during the last few occasions, heavy traffic on the SPARROW portal towards the end of the timeline often causes technical issues, leading to stress and uncertainty for the employees. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that employees file their IPRs well in advance of the timelines, rather than waiting until the last date,” stated a communication from the Central Board of Direct Taxes, dated January 20.

Second reminder

According to the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, every government servant belonging to any service or holding any post as Group ‘A’ or Group ‘B’ officers shall submit an annual return giving full particulars regarding the immovable property inherited by them, or owned or acquired by them, or held by them on lease or mortgage either in their own name or in the name of any family member or in the name of any other person. This return of the previous year is required to be filed latest by January 31 of the following year.

An office memorandum by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said in case IPR is not filed by due date, the following will be denied: vigilance clearance, ex-India study leave, appointment to sensitive posts, assignments to training programmes except mandatory training, confirmation in service, retirement on VRS, post-retirement commercial employment and pre-mature repatriation (voluntary) from any deputation.

An office order by the Central Vigilance Commission mentioned that timely filing of property returns by the officials of Ministries/Departments/Organisations is one of the mandatory requirements under CCS (Conduct) Rules and non-filing of property returns constitutes good and sufficient reasons for instituting disciplinary action against the delinquent officials.

Published on January 21, 2025