The New Income Tax e-Filing Portal was launched by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on June 7, 2021. This portal, accessible at www.incometax.gov.in, replaces the older version (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and brings enhanced features for a seamless tax filing experience. Taxpayers can now file their Income Tax Returns (ITR), make payments, and access various tax-related services more efficiently.
Why Was the New Income Tax Portal Introduced?
The old income tax portal had several limitations, including slow processing times, complex navigation, and difficulties in document uploads. The government introduced the new portal to address these challenges, providing taxpayers with a modern, user-friendly, and efficient system.
Key Features of the New Income Tax e-Filing Portal
1. Faster ITR Processing
The portal is designed to process ITRs immediately, allowing faster refunds to taxpayers. This ensures quicker crediting of refunds to the linked bank accounts, reducing delays and improving taxpayer experience.
2. Free ITR Preparation Software
The Income Tax Department provides free ITR preparation software in Excel and Java-based formats. The interactive software helps taxpayers fill and file returns easily. The portal also offers pre-filled ITRs for enhanced convenience.
3. Call Center Support
A dedicated call center is integrated into the new portal to provide quick resolutions. Additionally, FAQs, tutorials, videos, and live chatbot support are available for taxpayer assistance.
4. Single Dashboard View
Users can access all interactions, uploads, and pending actions on a single dashboard, making tax compliance more organized and user-friendly.
5. Multiple Payment Options
Taxpayers can make online payments using RTGS/NEFT, credit cards, UPI, and net banking through any bank account. This eliminates the need for physical visits to banks for tax payments.
6. Mobile Application
The Aaykar Setu mobile app offers tools like tax calculators, PAN application services, and FAQs to help taxpayers understand the system better. Taxpayers can access their accounts and file returns directly from their mobile devices.
7. Pre-filled ITRs
Certain tax details, such as salary, house property income, and capital gains, are pre-filled to reduce manual errors and save time. This is especially beneficial for salaried individuals and small business owners.
8. Annual Information Statement (AIS)
AIS provides a comprehensive view of taxpayer data from Form 26AS, displaying income sources and tax deductions with an option for feedback. This feature enhances transparency and helps taxpayers verify their tax liabilities easily.
9. National Faceless Appeals Centre (NFAC)
NFAC handles e-appeal proceedings and assigns cases to tax officers electronically, improving transparency in dispute resolution. This eliminates the need for physical interactions and ensures impartiality in assessments.
10. Electronic Verification
Taxpayers can verify their returns online using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or a digital signature certificate (DSC). This makes the process paperless and hassle-free.
11. Seamless Communication with IT Department
The portal allows users to receive notices, submit responses, and track updates without visiting tax offices. This feature is especially useful for individuals and businesses facing tax scrutiny or notices.
12. Pre-validated Bank Accounts for Refunds
Refunds are directly credited to the taxpayer’s pre-validated bank account linked to their PAN, ensuring secure and timely processing. This step helps prevent fraudulent refunds and errors in account details.
How to Use the New Income Tax e-Filing Portal?
Step 1: Register on the Portal
- Visit www.incometax.gov.in.
- Click on ‘Register’ if you are a new user.
- Enter your PAN number, validate it, and fill in the required details.
- Create a password and complete the registration process.
Step 2: Log in to Your Account
- Click on ‘Login’ at the top-right corner of the homepage.
- Enter your User ID (PAN number) and password.
- Complete the OTP verification process if required.
Step 3: Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Select ‘File Income Tax Return’ from the dashboard.
- Choose the assessment year and type of return you want to file (ITR-1, ITR-2, etc.).
- Fill in the details manually or use pre-filled data.
- Validate the form and submit it electronically.
Step 4: Make Tax Payments
- Navigate to ‘e-Pay Tax’.
- Select the appropriate tax type and assessment year.
- Choose from the available payment methods (UPI, net banking, NEFT, etc.).
- Complete the payment and download the receipt.
Step 5: Verify Your ITR
After filing your return, verification is mandatory. You can do this using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- Electronic verification code (EVC)
- Digital signature certificate (DSC)
Once verified, your ITR will be processed for refund (if applicable).
Features of the Old Income Tax Portal
Before the launch of the New Income Tax e-Filing Portal, taxpayers used the older version (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) for tax-related tasks. While it facilitated online tax filing, the new system introduces an improved, user-friendly experience with added functionalities.
Services Available on the Old Portal:
- E-verification of tax returns
- Viewing and responding to outstanding tax demands
- Filing audit reports and certificates
- Accessing Form 26AS (tax credit statement)
- Requesting refunds and making changes to ITR details
- Linking Aadhaar with PAN
- Lodging grievances and responding to e-proceedings
The new e-Filing portal now integrates all these features with enhanced automation, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Unable to Log In?
- Ensure you are entering the correct PAN and password.
- Reset your password using the ‘Forgot Password’ option if needed.
2. ITR Processing Delay?
- Check the status on the dashboard.
- Ensure you have verified your ITR.
- If delayed, contact the helpdesk.
3. Refund Not Credited?
- Check if your bank account is pre-validated.
- Verify if there are any outstanding tax dues.
4. Technical Glitches?
- Clear your browser cache and try again.
- Use an updated browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
- Contact technical support for assistance.
Conclusion
The New Income Tax e-Filing Portal simplifies tax compliance with advanced features like real-time processing, multiple payment options, mobile support, and AI-powered assistance. Taxpayers can now experience a faster, more secure, and seamless tax filing process. Whether you are an individual taxpayer, a salaried professional, or a business owner, the new portal ensures that filing income tax returns is hassle-free and efficient.
