ICAI Identifies Issues: Potential Extension of ITR Filing Deadline
The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is fast approaching, with July 31st being the final date. However, many taxpayers are encountering difficulties due to various issues on the e-filing portal. These challenges have been highlighted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) as well.
Technical Glitches on the E-Filing Portal
Recent reports indicate widespread technical glitches plaguing the Income Tax e-filing portal. Taxpayers have reported issues accessing Form 26AS/TIS/AIS and facing delays in filing their ITR due to these problems. The portal’s performance has been inconsistent, leading to frustration among taxpayers trying to meet the deadline.
Delays and Error Messages
Taxpayers attempting to file their returns have faced frequent error messages on the e-filing portal. Technical errors such as buffering delays have significantly slowed down the filing process, consuming more time than anticipated.
Data Mismatches and Verification Issues
Another major concern raised by taxpayers is the mismatch in pre-filled data between their ITR and Form 26AS. Discrepancies in income details, including salary, interest income, and TDS, have complicated the filing process and verification steps.
OTP and Access Issues
During the filing process, many taxpayers have encountered difficulties receiving the One Time Password (OTP) necessary for verification. This has led to instances where returns could not be authenticated and submitted successfully.
Limited Response Options in AIS/TIS
The response options available on the AIS/TIS portal have also been limited, making it challenging for taxpayers to accurately respond or provide supplementary documents for verification purposes.
Call for Deadline Extension
Given these persistent challenges, several chartered accountant associations, including ICAI, have urged the Income Tax department to consider extending the deadline for filing ITR. They argue that an extension would provide taxpayers with the necessary time to overcome these technical hurdles and file their returns accurately.
