The Faceless Penalty Scheme, 2021.

S.O. 118(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2A) of section 274 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Government hereby makes the following Scheme, namely:__

1. Short title and commencement.––
   (1) This Scheme may be called the Faceless Penalty Scheme, 2021.
   (2) It shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Definitions .–– (1) In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires, ––
   (i) “Act” means the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961);
   
   (ii) “addressee” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000);
   
   (iii) “assessment unit” means the assessment unit set up under the scheme notified under sub-section (3A) of section 143 of the Act or referred to in section 144B of the Act, as the case may be;
   
   (iv) “authorised representative” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in sub-section (2) of section 288 of the Act;
   
   (v) “automated allocation system” means an algorithm for randomised allocation of cases, by using suitable technological tools, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a view to optimise the use of resources;
   
   (vi) “Board” means the Central Board of Direct Taxes constituted under the Central Board of Revenues Act, 1963 (54 of 1963);
   
   (vii) “computer resource” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (k) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000);
   
   (viii) “computer system” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (l) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000);
   
   (ix) “computer resource of assessee” shall include assessee’s registered account in designated portal of the Income-tax Department, the Mobile App linked to the registered mobile number of the assessee, or the
   registered email address of the assessee with his email service provider;
   
   (x) “digital signature” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (p) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000);
   
   (xi) “designated portal” means the web portal designated as such by the Principal Chief Commissioner or Principal Director General, in charge of the National Faceless Penalty Centre;
   
   (xii) “faceless penalty” means the penalty proceedings conducted electronically in ‘e-proceeding’ facility through assessee’s registered account in designated portal;

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