**Executive Summary**
The Income Tax Department, Pune region, conducted outreach programs under PRARAMBH-2026 on 20 May 2026 in Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Sangli. These sessions served as a follow-up to the Mega Outreach Program held on 15 May 2026, aimed at spreading awareness regarding the new Income-tax Act, 2025. The initiative focused on facilitating a smooth transition to the new legislative framework and encouraging voluntary tax compliance among diverse stakeholder groups.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **New Legislative Framework (Income-tax Act, 2025)**
* Introduction of the "Tax Year" concept as a primary structural update.
* Revised frameworks for income tax return filing and updated TDS/TCS provisions.
* New requirements for tax audit reporting and strategies to manage transitional issues.
* Implementation of simplification measures to reduce compliance burdens and enhance clarity.
* **Taxpayer Facilitation Initiatives**
* **Kar Saathi:** An AI-enabled chatbot available 24/7 on the income tax website for immediate assistance.
* **Kar Setu:** A comprehensive platform designed for guidance and reference purposes.
* **Samvaad:** A series of interactive learning sessions for direct stakeholder engagement and clarification of concerns.
* **Outreach Objectives**
* Bridging the gap between the Income Tax Department and the public to foster mutual trust.
* Promoting a culture of responsible and informed tax compliance through direct dialogue.
* Disseminating critical information regarding updated tax procedures and services.
**Impact Analysis**
**Chartered Accountants and Tax Consultants**
**Impact**
Professionals are directly affected by the need to interpret new audit reporting requirements, TDS/TCS provisions, and the "Tax Year" concept to advise their clients accurately.
**Action Required**
Must engage with interactive sessions like "Samvaad" and utilize the Kar Setu platform to align their practices with the Income-tax Act, 2025.
**Individual and Corporate Taxpayers**
**Impact**
Taxpayers are subject to a simplified compliance framework designed to enhance convenience and reduce the administrative burden of filing.
**Action Required**
Transition to the new return filing framework and utilize the Kar Saathi AI chatbot for round-the-clock support regarding the new provisions.
**Trade Associations and Cooperative Societies**
**Impact**
Groups such as Vyapari, Sugar Cooperative, and Saraf & Jewellers Associations act as vital intermediaries in disseminating tax information to specialized sectors.
**Action Required**
Participate in district-level outreach programs to seek clarification on practical concerns and promote voluntary compliance among their respective members.
Key Entities Referenced
Income-tax Act, 2025: The new primary legislation for which the Income Tax Department is conducting awareness programs to explain simplified compliance measures and the 'Tax Year' concept.
PRARAMBH-2026: The overarching initiative under which mega outreach programs are conducted and taxpayer facilitation tools are launched.
Kar Saathi, Kar Setu, and Samvaad: A suite of taxpayer facilitation initiatives introduced to provide AI-enabled assistance, comprehensive guidance, and interactive learning for the new tax framework.
Income Tax Department: The primary regulatory body (specifically the Pune regional offices) responsible for executing the outreach programs and ensuring a seamless transition to the new tax legislation.
Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Sangli: The central locations in Maharashtra where the outreach and awareness sessions were conducted for various stakeholder groups.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department, Pune region conducts
Outreach Programs at Pune, Ahilyanagar &
Sangli
Posted On: 20 MAY 2026 9:25PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune, 20 May 2026
An outreach programme under PRARAMBH-2026 was successfully conducted today
by the Office of the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax-4, Pune, Addl. CIT,
Range-1, Pune & office of Jt. CIT, Sangli today. This is a follow up measure to the
Mega Outreach Program conducted by the Pr. CCIT, Pune on 15th May, 2026 at Pune,
The initiative is being taken to spread awareness regarding the provisions of the
Income-tax Act, 2025 and facilitate its smooth and effective implementation.
The programme was held at the Auditorium, Sambodhi, Bodhi Tower, Pune, and
witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 50 taxpayers and
representatives from various stakeholder groups and associations, including
Chartered Accountants, Tax Consultants, corporates, non-corporates and individual
taxpayers.
During the session, a comprehensive presentation was delivered on the salient
features and key provisions of the new Income-tax Act, 2025. The presentation
focused on important aspects such as the introduction of the “Tax Year” concept,return filing framework, TDS/TCS provisions, tax audit reporting requirements,
transitional issues, and various simplification measures introduced under the new
legislation.
The provisions of the new Act were explained in a simplified and stakeholder-
friendly manner with emphasis on reducing compliance burden, improving clarity,
enhancing taxpayer convenience and ensuring seamless transition to the new
framework.
During the programme, a detailed presentations on key features of the new Act and
highlighted taxpayer facilitation initiatives introduced under PRARAMBH 2026,
including Kar Saathi, an AI-enabled chatbot available round the clock on the income
tax website, Kar Setu, a comprehensive guidance and reference platform, and
“Samvaad” interactive learning sessions.
The Ahilyanagar programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from CA
Association, Vyapari Association, Aadat Association, Sugar Cooperative Association,
representatives of Cooperative Credit Societies and various taxpayers.
The interaction proved to be highly fruitful and meaningful, contributing significantly
towards strengthening tax awareness and promoting greater voluntary compliance
among taxpayers. It provided an effective platform for constructive dialogue,clarification of concerns, and dissemination of important information relating to tax
procedures and taxpayer services.
Sangli event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 125 taxpayers and
representatives from a wide spectrum of stakeholders and associations, including
Tax Consultants, Chartered Accountants, Saraf & Jewellers Associations, Transport &
Logistics Associations, Turmeric Traders, the Silver Association of Hupari,
Cooperative Societies, and Banks. The large and diverse participation reflected the
keen interest among stakeholders in understanding the evolving tax framework and
strengthening voluntary compliance.
During the session, a comprehensive presentation was delivered on the provisions
of the Income-tax Act, 2025, with special emphasis on spreading awareness and
ensuring its smooth and effective implementation. The programme also featured an
engaging interactive session, wherein participants actively sought clarifications and
exchanged views on various aspects of the new legislation. The discussions proved
highly fruitful in fostering greater tax awareness, addressing practical concerns, and
promoting a collaborative approach towards compliance and implementation.
Such outreach initiatives are being conducted in various districts to help bridge the
gap between the Department and the public, foster mutual trust and understanding,
and encourage a culture of responsible and informed tax compliance. The
enthusiastic participation and positive response from stakeholders made the
programme both engaging and impactful.
PIB Pune | Harshal Akude/ Priti Malandkar
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