It's texting time for I-T evaders

New Delhi: The first SMS asking Income-Tax assesses to file their return by October 31 will go to none other than Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

"I have asked the Income-Tax Department to send the first SMS to me," Mr Chidambaram told reporters here.

As part of the publicity blitz, the department will issue SMS messages in the last week of this month to mobile phone users whose billing exceeds Rs 1,000 a month to file their returns by October 31.

The SMS will wish people 'Happy Diwali' and request them to file their returns.

Urging the people to file in their returns on the due date, Mr Chidambaram said he will file his returns from Chennai on October 31.

"The best way to live life is to hold your head high. Filing a return is a basic obligation of a citizen, who is in the taxable limit. So pay your taxes and hold your head high," Mr Chidambaram quipped.

The Finance Minister said he had nothing against people earning money.

"In fact, it is a sign of one's prosperity. But I would want people to pay their taxes. Earn money and have fun. Enjoy your Diwali," Mr Chidambaram said.

The Finance Minister said Income-Tax offices will remain open even on Saturday and Sunday for the convenience of the assesses.

They will also be open on Monday, the last date of filing returns.