Income Tax Portal: Tax efiling Features, Benefits and How to Uses

If you think filing ITR is the be-all-and-end-all of the income tax portal, think again!

The income tax e filing portal is only a part of the entire website. Whereas the income tax portal, in itself, offers multiple facilities that cater to all nuances regarding taxation. In fact, it bridges the gap between taxpayers and the Income Tax Department, easing, streamlining, and pacing the entire process. 

So, in this article, let’s see how to effectively use the income tax portal, its multiple features, and benefits. Also, don’t forget to check out how you can link your Aadhaar and PAN in the portal, mentioned later in the article.

What is the Income Tax Portal?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes launched the new income tax portal on 7th June 2021. It was introduced to replace the existing income tax e filing portal. The taxpayers are now required to file their returns on the new portal.

Apart from ITR filings, the income tax portal is also used to lodge complaints and seek refunds. The portal is used by income tax authorities as well to receive responses from the taxpayers. All intimations regarding appeals, exemptions, and penalties are done on this portal.

Importance of Income Tax Portal

The new income tax portal has been introduced to provide ease and convenience to the modern taxpayer. Before the introduction of the portal, the ITR filing process was a long and tiresome prospect. 

Further, people who had little to no knowledge about tax proceedings found it particularly difficult. The new income tax portal has addressed all these problems and made the process much quicker and easier.

The single integrated dashboard of this portal ensures that the taxpayer can carry out all the tax-related processes with just a click of the mouse. The portal features an integrated dashboard, which can be used to carry out numerous tax-related transactions. 

Additionally, a new call center is also being set up along with the portal to provide immediate assistance to the taxpayers.

How to Use the New Income Tax Portal

The all-inclusive new income tax portal ensures you can fulfill all your tax requirements in one integrated space. Here’s how you can use the new income tax portal to its fullest potential.

• On the homepage, you will find multiple tabs on the top menu. You can view each tab to check for deductions, refunds, ITR filing process, applicable forms, etc.
• Once you scroll down, you will be able to view the various services the portal offers like e-verification, ITR status, Aadhaar linking, refund status, among others.
• You can also find various manuals and explainer videos which will help you know more about the portal. The website also has an FAQ section that further helps in navigating the site.

However, you will need to complete the registration process to avail the services of the portal. After your registration in the portal, you can:

• Access required forms and file your income tax returns.
• Complete pending proceedings and file complaints.
• Navigate the e-tax return intermediary.
• Avail refund or rectification services in the portal.

How to Link PAN and Aadhaar Card in the New Income Tax Portal

Given below is the step-by-step procedure to link your PAN and Aadhaar card in the new income tax portal:

Step 1: Visit the official income tax portal.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option under the ‘Our Services’ section.

Step 3: On the next page, enter details like PAN card number, Aadhaar card number, your name as mentioned in Aadhaar Card, and mobile number.

Step 4: Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, and then click on ‘Link Aadhaar’ to proceed.

Step 5: This will trigger an OTP which will be sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number.

Step 6: Enter the OTP to complete the linking process.

Features and Benefits of New Income Tax Portal

Mentioned below are some of the main features and benefits of the new income tax portal:

• Mobile Application: Once you have linked your Aadhaar and PAN on the portal, the income tax mobile app will be activated. This application has all the services of the income tax portal and can be accessed by taxpayers anytime.
• Multiple Payment Options: The income tax portal incorporates various payment methods to facilitate ease in payments. Some of the online payment methods available on the portal are UPI, Net Banking, debit or credit cards, and NEFT/RTGS.
• Single Integrated Dashboard: The new income tax portal features one single integrated dashboard for all the functions. All pending actions, uploads, and interactions can be done on this dashboard itself.
• Live Assistance: Multiple instant assistance options like chatbots, FAQs, and videos available on the portal, make it very easy to use.
• Income Tax Return Preparation Software: As a taxpayer, you will have access to both online and offline ITR preparation software. This software is especially designed for new taxpayers and those who have little knowledge about tax and pre-filing. Help is available in the form of interactive questions on the portal.
• ITR Filing: The new income tax portal processes the ITR instantly on filing. Since the returns are processed instantly, taxpayers also receive refunds fast.

Existing Features of Income Tax e-Filing Portal

The income tax e filing portal eases returns filing for the taxpayers. Given below are some of the benefits and features of the portal which make it so necessary and convenient: 

• Eases the e-filing process for income tax returns.
• Enables e-verification of ITR filings.
• Users can also file audit reports and view Form 26AS.
• Allows user response during e-proceedings.
• Offers online complaint registration facility.
• Ensures instant online account linking with Aadhar and PAN.
• Allows users to readily amend any errors in ITR details.
• Offers facilities for requesting intimations and re-issuing of refunds.  
• Enables users to view any discrepancy in tax credit.

The Income Tax Department also uses this portal to view the tax returns filed by the taxpayer, process returns, initiate communications (in case of penalties), issue notices, and receive responses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)