New Delhi: Tax department has launched electronic filing of tax returns in a limited way in seven major cities from this year to make it "hassle-free" for assessees besides making the tax administration efficient.

Announcing this, the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes, P L Singh told reporters that this facility would be available in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

Initially electronic filing could be done through select banks in these cities. They are HDFC bank, UTI bank, IDBI bank, ICICI bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Bharat Overseas bank.

This facility would be available in six bank branches in Delhi, five in Mumbai, four each in Chennai and Bangalore and three each in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, he said.

Initially, the electronic filing was being done through an intermediary bank, as individuals would have to secure digital signature first for filing of electronic returns directly.

Necessary notification for this purpose has been issued, he said, adding the banks charge Rs 100-400 for filing of returns per individuals depending upon the services they provide.

PTI