On 6 May 2020, the Indian Central Board of Direct Taxes issued Notification No. 23/2020, amending the 2020 income tax rules on mutual agreement procedures (MAPs) regarding dispute resolution.

Under the revised rules, the authorities can now try to resolve the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) disputes within the 24 months. The rule has also made some changes in the Rule 44G to deal with the application and procedure for giving effect to MAP agreement, and also revised Form 34F with respect to making application to the competent authority for invoking MAP.

The rule also clarifies that if a resolution is arrived, the same shall be communicated to the assessee, who shall communicate his acceptance or non-acceptance within 30 days. Upon acceptance of the resolution, the assessee shall withdraw any appeal filed in this regard and pay the tax determined by the assessing officer after giving effect to the resolution.