CBDT Collaborates with Service Providers to Streamline I-T Portal

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is working closely with service providers Infosys, IBM, and Hitachi to ensure the smooth functioning of the income tax filing portal. This comes amid concerns raised by chartered accountants about glitches in the portal, as the deadline for filing returns for the financial year 2023-24 approaches on July 31.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is closely collaborating with service providers to ensure the proper functioning of the income tax department's filing portal, a senior official revealed.

The filing deadline for Income Tax (I-T) returns for the financial year 2023-24 is set for July 31.

During an ICAI session in the national capital on Wednesday, chartered accountants expressed concerns about glitches in the I-T portal.

CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal responded, stating that service providers Infosys, IBM, and Hitachi are actively addressing the issues. 'The volumes are high and compliance is equally robust… We've been assured that the website will function smoothly,' he remarked.

Agrawal also disclosed that around 22 lakh returns were filed on Tuesday, with over 4 crore returns submitted so far.

In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

'The objective is to make the Act concise, clear, and user-friendly to reduce disputes and litigation, providing tax certainty to taxpayers. We aim to complete this review within six months,' she said.

On Wednesday, Agrawal emphasized CBDT’s commitment to simplifying the I-T Act and invited chartered accountants to contribute to the next version of the legislation.