Section 260
Section 260: faceless collection of information
Section 260 is the enabling provision for making the tax department's information-gathering powers - under Sections 252, 254, 255, 256 and 259 - "faceless," meaning conducted with minimal or no direct interface between the tax officer and the taxpayer or other person.
This explanation is AI-assisted and pending review by our CA/CS team. It is general information, not professional advice - always cross-check against the bare law text above or talk to our tax team for guidance specific to your situation.
Purpose of the scheme
The Central Government may, by notification, make a scheme covering the powers to call for information (Section 252), collect certain information (Section 254), call for information by prescribed authority (Section 259), inspect registers of companies (Section 255), or exercise the powers of certain authorities (Section 256), so as to impart greater efficiency, transparency and accountability by:
- Eliminating the interface between the income-tax authority and the assessee or other person, to the extent technologically feasible
- Optimising use of resources through economies of scale and functional specialisation
- Introducing team-based exercise of powers - including calling for, collecting, processing or utilising information - with dynamic jurisdiction
Modifying the Act to give effect to the scheme
To give effect to a scheme made under sub-section (1), the Central Government may, by notification, direct that any provisions of the Act shall not apply, or shall apply with specified exceptions, modifications and adaptations.
Parliamentary oversight
Every notification issued under sub-sections (1) and (2) must be laid before each House of Parliament as soon as possible after it is issued.
Frequently asked questions
What powers can be made 'faceless' under Section 260?
The scheme under Section 260 can cover the power to call for information (Section 252), collect certain information (Section 254), inspect company registers (Section 255), the enquiry powers of certain authorities (Section 256), and calling for information by a prescribed authority (Section 259).
Does a faceless scheme notification need parliamentary approval?
It must be laid before each House of Parliament as soon as possible after issue, per Section 260(3).
Related sections
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Talk to our tax team about this sectionLast updated 9 September 2026