Kolkata, 15 May (H.S.) : The office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for the West Bengal and Sikkim Region organised a major public awareness programme titled “Prarambh 2026” in Kolkata to familiarise stakeholders with the provisions of the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which is scheduled to come into effect from April 1, 2026.

The programme witnessed participation from senior Income Tax Department officials, representatives of trade and industry bodies, chartered accountants, tax consultants, taxpayers and members of the media.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for West Bengal and Sikkim, Surbhi Verma Garg said that the new Income Tax Act, 2025 marks a significant step towards making the tax system simpler, clearer and more compliance-friendly. She stated that the new legislation aims to reduce tax-related disputes, bring greater certainty to the taxation framework and encourage voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

She further informed that similar awareness programmes will also be organised across different parts of West Bengal and Sikkim on May 19 and May 21, 2026. These programmes will be conducted under the leadership of the respective Principal Commissioners of Income Tax and the Commissioner of Income Tax (Tax Deducted at Source) to create awareness among taxpayers, professionals, trade bodies and other stakeholders regarding the new law.

The event also featured technical sessions and interactive discussions on the key provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025. Former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Ashok Kumar Jha shared his views on the transition from the Income Tax Act, 1961 to the new legislative framework and highlighted the objectives behind its simplification.

On the occasion, a guidance booklet titled “Kar Setu” was also unveiled. The publication contains answers to frequently asked questions relating to both the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the new Income Tax Act, 2025. Informational booklets covering the major features of the new legislation and commonly used forms were also distributed in multiple languages.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh