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GuidesPersonal FinanceA Guide: Common Problems Faced by Taxpayers While Filing Income Tax Returns Online, and How to Solve Them
LAST EDITED BY PRANAV KARNAD ON AUGUST 21, 2024.
Before the advent of e-filing, submitting income tax returns was a laborious process. Thanks to technology, taxpayers can now file their returns fast and effectively. Even with the best technology, however, there will inevitably be problems that taxpayers will run into when utilising the e-filing income tax system. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the most frequent problems that taxpayers encounter and discuss solutions.
Login problems are the first problem that taxpayers could run into. When a user enters an erroneous password or forgets their login information, this can occur. The taxpayer can change the password in certain circumstances by selecting the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. The OTP (one-time password) will then be sent by the system to the taxpayer's registered email address or mobile number. The taxpayer can reset their password and access the e-filing income tax system after entering the OTP.
Technical problems are another frequent problem that taxpayers run through while using the e-filing income tax system. These can range from portal crashing to slow loading times. In these situations, the taxpayer should try to access the portal outside of busy times because it can be overwhelmed then. Alternatively, they can optimise the performance of the portal by clearing the cache and cookies on their browser. They may get support from the Income Tax Department help desk if the problem continues.
To ensure secure access to the e-filing income tax portal, taxpayers are required to link their mobile numbers to their accounts. This allows them to receive OTPs for password resets, account verification, and other essential activities. Nevertheless, problems may arise if the mobile number is not updated or is linked to another account. When this happens, taxpayers must update their mobile number by logging into their account and navigating to the profile section. Once the mobile number is updated, it will undergo verification, enabling them to proceed with their tax return filing.
Meeting the deadline is a critical element of income tax return filing, as failure to file before the due date can result in penalties and fines. Fortunately, the e-filing income tax portal enables taxpayers to submit their returns well in advance of the deadline. If taxpayers procrastinate or are unaware of the due date, they might end up paying a lot more money. In such situations, it is advisable to set reminders in advance of the deadline, allowing ample time to file returns. Additionally, the e-filing income tax portal sends reminders via SMS and email to assist taxpayers.
Some individuals prefer to work with tax experts to prepare their tax returns. However, problems could occur if the tax expert is not authorised to e-file returns or is not registered with the Income Tax Department. In these situations, the taxpayer should make sure they are working with a licenced tax expert who is permitted to e-file returns. Taxpayers can authorise tax experts to file their returns on their behalf through the e-filing income tax system. The option to authorise and grant access to their tax advisor can be chosen by the taxpayer.
The e-filing income tax site has greatly improved accessibility and expedited the income tax return filing process. However, as with any technological system, there might be difficulties that taxpayers must work through. Taxpayers can greatly simplify the process of submitting their tax returns by being aware of these typical problems and understanding how to handle them. Are you tired of just relying on fixed deposits to grow your money? Well, if you're looking to create long-term wealth, you should definitely check out mutual fund investments. And the good news is you can easily explore commission-free mutual funds with Fi Money. It's easy to use, with over 900 active mutual funds to choose from, so whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, Fi has got you covered. Plus, Fi's investment feature is powered by EpiFi Wealth, a SEBI-registered investment advisor, so you know you're in good hands.
If your name on the PAN card and the income tax database do not match, you can request a correction or update of your name on your PAN card. You can do this by filling out and submitting the "Request for New PAN Card or/and Changes or Correction in PAN Data" form, also known as Form 49A. You can obtain this form from the Income Tax Department's website or from any TIN-FC (Tax Information Network - Facilitation Centre) or PAN Service Centre. Once you have filled out the form and submitted it along with the required documents and fees, your name will be corrected or updated on your PAN card and the income tax database.
Yes, you can change the email ID linked to your PAN online without the need for a new PAN card. To do this, you need to visit the Income Tax Department's e-Filing website and log in using your PAN and password. Once you have logged in, go to the "Profile Settings" menu and click on "Contact Details." From there, you can update your email ID and click on the "Save" button to confirm the changes. It is important to note that the new email ID will be updated in the Income Tax Department's database and used for communication with you.
If you are not receiving Aadhaar OTP for income tax return even though your PAN is successfully linked to Aadhaar, it could be due to several reasons. One reason could be that your mobile number is not updated in the Aadhaar database or is not registered with your bank account. Another reason could be that your PAN is not correctly linked to your Aadhaar. Visit the Income Tax Department's e-Filing website. Click on the "Link Aadhaar" option under the "Profile Settings" menu. PAN-Aadhaar linking status will be displayed. If your PAN is not linked to Aadhaar or if the linking is incorrect, you can update or correct it by following the instructions on the website.
