The government informed the Lok Sabha today that significant success has been achieved in combating corruption in settling refund claims in the Income Tax Department. Minister of State for Finance S.S. Palanimanickam said in a written reply that wherever any instance of corruption comes to his Ministry's notice, the complaint is verified.

If found correct, the concerned officials have to face penal action, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. The process of refunds has been streamlined and e-filing of returns is encouraged for speedy processing and issue of refunds.

A web-based status tracking facility for refunds has also been launched. The grievance redressal mechanism has been strengthened to ensure a prompt disposal of the complaints of graft in the Income Tax Department, the Minister added.