Beware of Fake News: Income Tax Department Issues Warning
The Income Tax department has issued a stern warning about the circulation of false information regarding the extension of the date for e-filing of Income Tax Returns (ITRs). The warning comes in response to a spreading news clip from a popular newspaper in Gujarat, claiming that the last date for e-filing of ITR has been extended to August 31, 2024. The department has made it clear that this information is entirely fabricated, stressing that the authentic deadline for filing ITR for FY2023-24 remains July 31, 2024.
The department’s stance was emphasized through a social media post, where it urged taxpayers to rely solely on updates from the official website/portal of IncomeTaxIndia, discrediting any misinformation obtained from dubious sources.
Concerns have also been raised about a new scam involving fraudulent attempts to extract tax refunds from unsuspecting individuals. Scammers have been utilizing the pretense of tax refunds through SMS and email communications to illicitly access victims’ bank accounts, prompting a heightened sense of vigilance among taxpayers.
Adding to the challenges, numerous technical glitches on the e-filing ITR portal have been reported by both taxpayers and Chartered Accountants. Stakeholders have faced intermittent difficulties while attempting to log into the portal, often attributed to system overloading or maintenance activities. Moreover, discrepancies in pre-filled data, issues with form access, and delays in responses submission have further compounded the situation, causing considerable distress and anxiety among taxpayers and other stakeholders.
Several professional associations, including ICAI, Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association (KSCAA), and the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants and Income Tax Bar Association, have raised concerns over the portal’s functionality and have appealed for an extension of the filing deadline to ease the pressure on taxpayers. The All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants and Income Tax Bar Association has formally requested the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, to consider extending the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns for AY 2024-25 from July 31, 2024, to August 31, 2024.
The challenges faced by taxpayers, such as difficulty in resetting passwords, generating challans, and filing returns, have significantly impeded the filing process. Error messages during submission, multiple failed OTP validations, and the inability to download ITR receipts have further exacerbated the situation, amplifying the urgency for a resolution to these technical issues.
The current scenario underscores the critical need for immediate action to rectify technical shortcomings and secure a smooth and efficient process for taxpayers and professionals alike.
The Income Tax department’s vigilance and the concerns expressed by professional bodies serve as a stark reminder of the importance of accessing reliable information and staying alert against potential fraudulent activities. With the filing deadline fast approaching, a swift and effective resolution to the technical challenges is imperative to ensure a seamless and stress-free filing experience for all stakeholders.
