The system of tax deduction at source (TDS) could be expanded further to include more business under its domain. This means more types of business will have to deduct the tax, before making payments to parties.

The revenue department is also considering a proposal to restructure the administration of the TDA set up.
 
At present, TDS includes income from salary, interest on securities, dividend from domestic companies, prize money from lotteries, etc.

Budget 2007-08 has already proposed bringing a few more income heads like payment to contractors by individuals for business purposes under TDS. According to sources, the revenue department is also planning to strengthen the computerisation network of TDS, which would help increase its database.

The department is also planning to set up commissionerates for TDS. In order to check tax evasion, it will set up a proper TDS structure by strengthening existing TDS commissionerates and opening new ones in the four metros and tier II cities. All the commissionerates will also be required to file TDS data electronically, so that the information is verified with the tax returns filed by taxpayers.

Tedious Changes
TDS may be expanded to include income from more trades
Computerisation network may be strengthened to increase database
Commissionerates may be set up to check tax evasion
 
The proposals form a part of a report on TDS restructuring. The department is of the view that the move will help to strengthen the TDS system and increase compliance levels amongst taxpayers. We are looking at ways to expand our tax base and generate more revenue. This report is one of the proposals we are discussing, a finance ministry official said.

With the direct tax collection target fixed at Rs 2,67,175 crore for 2007-08, a 16% increase over last fiscal, the Central Board of Direct Taxes is already looking at measures to increase collection. It is planning to focus on the use of investigative measures like raids and surveys to raise both collection and compliance.