1. Its ‘Team/Group based conduct of assessments by multi-level and multi-layered assessment units
2. To provide legal backing, the Faceless scheme has now been introduced video sec 144B
3. All pending matters till AY 1819 and notice issued till 31.3. 2021 will be under the scheme and thereafter under 144B
4. In section 144B, the requirement to specify the issues for selection of the case for assessment is withdrawn.
5. Opportunity for a personal hearing may only be granted to the assessee only after passing of the draft assessment order
6. AU has details to be assessed through returns, it would be interesting to see how direct communication is controlled
7. The powers of the commissioner in exercising 263 will continue and that of 264 might be endangered as the order passed through various levels of verification
8. 15-day time limit to respond to notice u/s 143(2) will lead to regular monitoring of accounts
9. A categorical exemption from electronic communication is provided in the case of inquiry or verification being conducted by the Verification Unit
10. Inherent right of hearing is taken away and made it based on approval of CCIT/DGIT of REC unit
11. Risk mitigation tool and automatic examination tool will review the draft order and refer to RU if deemed fit based on criteria yet to notify
12. AU needs help with verification, statement recording, cross-checking or legal/accounting/valuation opinion will refer to VU or TU selected randomly by the computer
13. The NEC relies on computer programs incorporating algorithmic tools, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, risk level and other parameters, etc. for carrying out its functions
14. All covered orders to be passed under scheme otherwise deemed as never passed
15. There is no scope or procedure defined under the new faceless machinery for handling and deciding on the stay application filed by the appellant.
