The Income Tax portal is currently experiencing payment-related issues, preventing taxpayers, CAs, and tax filers from completing their transactions. Filers are encountering error messages when attempting to make payments. The ICAI has addressed the issue before the CBDT.
The ICAI ( Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ) has sent representations to the finance ministry concerning issues with the Income Tax Portal. Additionally, another representation was sent highlighting payment problems. In its representation, the ICAI stated:
“In this regard, we would like to bring to your notice once again of the technical glitches in filing returns and making payment of taxes- Unavailable service (on account of temporary overloading or under maintenance), failure to make challan payment, error messages appearing while making payment are some of the issues being faced by the taxpayers while filing returns/making payment of taxes”.
The ICAI has recommended that, with the due date under section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 for filing returns for the A.Y. 2024-25 approaching for individuals, HUFs, and firms not subject to tax audit, it is imperative to address and resolve the technical glitches in the income-tax e-filing portal promptly. This will enable taxpayers to file their returns and pay taxes seamlessly within the due date.
A CA has posted in ‘X’ account tagging the income tax india that “Pathetic state of income tax portal..!!! #IncomeTax @IncomeTaxIndia loading this since 30 min..!!!” He shared the video where he stuck with the payment issues.
The Income tax department has replied with the solution of clearing browser caches, which do not even work for the many issues. The important question is who is going to face the consequences of these issues in the income tax portal – Government or the common people?
The middle class is the highest tax-paying demographic in the country, and many CAs have a backlog of ITRs on their desks. With the ITR deadline set for July 31st, ongoing portal issues raise concerns about potential financial losses. Who will be held accountable?
Taxpayers must pay their dues regardless, but missing the deadline will result in late fees. Since the finance ministry has not announced any extensions or relief schemes, taxpayers are likely to face significant challenges.
There is always hope that the due date for filing ITRs will be extended or that late fees will be waived. However, the financial burden will fall more heavily on the common people than on the government. Paying taxes is mandatory, with no exceptions. Therefore, even if payments are delayed, the government treasury will eventually be filled. Taxpayers, on the other hand, will have to pay taxes along with late fees if no extension is granted by the government.
The current state of the income tax portal is very concerning and requires immediate attention from the ministry or the technical team. There is speculation that these issues might be deliberately created to ensure taxpayers pay late fees, thereby increasing revenue.
In a previous article, Taxscan highlighted 15 common glitches in the income tax portal experienced by tax filers and CAs. While there may be more than 15 issues, we have focused on addressing the most common ones.
Ultimately, it is the common people who will bear the brunt of these problems, as the government will receive its revenue regardless of the portal’s performance. The government and the technical team must make a sincere effort to resolve these issues as soon as possible. Additionally, there should be an initiative to enhance the software for smoother ITR filing. These glitches impact the money and work hours of many individuals, and immediate action is necessary.
Also read: 15 Income Tax Portal Glitches Frustrates CAs and Tax Filers
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