NEW DELHI: Even as the Revenue Department agreed to modify the format of the new income-tax form (Form 2F) for the assessment year 2007-08, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has sought to allay misgivings, saying it is easy to fill and "computer-friendly."

"One of the reasons why Form 2F was introduced was that it is computer-friendly... one can file it electronically," he told newspersons on Tuesday night, on the sidelines of a function organised by the Global Development Network here.

Mr. Chidambaram said use of the new form by assessees was voluntary for the current assessment year without, however, indicating whether it would be made mandatory from the next assessment year. Asked to clarify, he said: "Let us see how many file the form voluntarily."

`Naya Saral' form (Form 2E) was not suitable for electronic filing and therefore the new one was introduced to replace it after July 31, last date for filing I-T returns this year.

Insisting that assesses could fill Form 2F without the help of consultants, Mr. Chidambaram said: "What amazes me is why people should assume income-tax returns are such trifling things that you should fill it in five minutes ... One should spend at least half-an-hour to fill the statement. The income form that we have, I believe, can be filled in 20 minutes."

Following the objections made earlier this month, the Finance Ministry said that along with Form 2F, the old Saral form (Form 2D) would be accepted for the current assessment year. The new form would be modified and notified afresh for the next year.

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