The deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year 2023-24 (assessment year 2024-25) is fast approaching on July 31, 2024. While some taxpayers have already completed this process, many others are encountering delays due to technical glitches plaguing the e-filing portal. This raises a critical question: will the government grant an extension on the filing deadline this year?
Technical Hurdles and Taxpayer Concerns
Taxpayers are expressing their frustration with the e-filing portal on social media, reporting a range of technical issues that are hindering the filing process:
- Difficulty accessing essential forms: These include Form 26AS (tax credit statement), Tax Information Schedule (TIS), and Annual Information Statement (AIS). Discrepancies between figures in these forms have also been reported, creating confusion and delaying filing.
- Downloading ITR receipts: Many users are unable to download receipts for their filed ITRs, leaving them without official confirmation of their submission.
- Error messages: Frequent error messages disrupt the ITR filing process, causing frustration and requiring users to start over.
- Data inconsistencies: Pre-filled data on the portal may not match taxpayers’ actual information, necessitating manual corrections and potentially leading to errors.
- General technical glitches: Slow performance, inaccurate tax credit display, and other technical problems are hindering the filing process, adding time and stress for taxpayers.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proactively addressed these concerns with the Income Tax Department on July 5, 2024. Highlighting the difficulties faced by taxpayers, the ICAI is urging the department to consider the impact of these glitches on the filing process.
Extension Unconfirmed, Proactive Filing Recommended
While Yeeshu Sehgal, Head of Tax Markets at AKM Global, acknowledges that the decision to extend the deadline rests with the government, no official announcement has been made as of yet. In the past two years, similar technical issues did not lead to deadline extensions. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that taxpayers not wait until the last minute and file their ITRs as soon as possible to avoid potential late filing penalties.
Seeking Assistance During Difficulties
Taxpayers facing difficulties with the e-filing portal can consider seeking professional help to ensure accurate and timely filing:
- Consult with chartered accountants or tax experts: These professionals can provide guidance and assistance with navigating the complexities of the tax code, ensuring proper form completion, and minimizing the risk of errors.
- Utilize self-filing platforms: Platforms like TaxBuddy and ClearTax offer online tools and support for independent ITR filing. These services can be particularly helpful for taxpayers with uncomplicated tax situations.
By staying informed about the technical hurdles and taking proactive steps, taxpayers can minimize the impact of e-filing portal glitches and ensure timely ITR submission. It’s also advisable to keep copies of any error messages encountered and document any filing difficulties for future reference, in case they become relevant if the deadline situation changes.
