S.S.N. Moorthy, a 1973 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, is understood to have emerged as the frontrunner for the post of Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

"Moorthy is likely to take over as the next Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes," a Finance Ministry official told PTI here on Thursday.

The current Chairman, N B Singh, is due to retire on January 31 and the Government is expected to announce his successor very soon, the official said.

Moorthy is currently Member (Audit and Judicial) at the Board, holding the post since September last year.

Prior to joining the CBDT, Moorthy was Director-General of Investigation (Income Tax), in Mumbai.

The official said that a Committee of Secretaries has recommended Moorthy's name for the top post.

"Moorthy still has two years to go before superannuation and this stands him in good stead," the official said.

Other officers understood be under consideration include Sunita Kaila (Member-Investigation), Ajay Singh (Member-Legal and Computerisation) and Sheikh Naeemuddin (Member-Personnel and Vigilance).