Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) on Wednesday launched a new facility to enable its customers to make income-tax payments through its ATMs. This facility was launched by the Revenue Secretary, Mr Sunil Mitra, at OBC's head-office here in the presence of Mr Nagesh Pydah, Chairman and Managing Director of the bank, and senior officials from the Finance Ministry.

With this move, OBC has joined a select group of public sector banks (PSBs) that allow their customers to deposit income tax through their ATMs.

Leveraging technology

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mitra said that Government was committed to leveraging technology to provide taxpayer-friendly services. He pointed out that the facility of payment of income-tax through ATMs would provide operational convenience and flexibility to small taxpayers. Such a facility would also benefit the tax administration, Mr Mitra added.

Electronic payment of taxes is allowed since April 2008. Corporate tax can be paid only through electronic mode. For individual taxpayers, the Government has given an option to pay taxes through electronic route.

Mr S. C. Sinha, an Executive Director at OBC, told Business Line that the bank currently had 1.5 crore customers, including 25 lakh customers to whom debit cards had been issued. Steps are being taken to enhance the base of customers with debit cards, he added.

OBC has more than 1,600 branches and 1,190 ATMs spread across the country. Forthe facility of payment of income-tax through an ATM, a customer has to do a one-time registration through a personal visit to a branch, OBC officials said. Already, OBC facilitates payment of direct and indirect taxes through its branches and Internet banking.

krsrivats@thehindu.co.in

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