Image Source: Mint
As the clock ticks down to the September 15 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26, frustration is mounting across India’s tax community. Chartered Accountants (CAs), individual taxpayers, and small businesses have taken to social media and professional forums to voice their concerns over persistent glitches in the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. Despite a previous extension from the original July 31 deadline, the government has made it clear: no further relief will be granted.
Key Highlights from the Current Situation
The deadline for filing ITRs remains September 15, 2025, as confirmed by the Income Tax Department.
Over 7 crore ITRs have already been filed, but complaints about portal outages and slow response times continue to flood social media.
Viral misinformation about a further extension to September 30 was debunked by the department via its official X account.
A 24x7 helpdesk has been activated to assist users, but many say the technical issues persist.
Portal Glitches and User Experience
Technical Disruptions
Users have reported login failures, session timeouts, and inability to download critical documents like Form 26AS and AIS.
Payment disruptions have also been flagged, with some taxpayers unable to generate challans or complete online tax payments.
The surge in traffic during the final filing days has overwhelmed the system, leading to widespread delays.
Social Media Outcry
Hashtags like #ExtendITRDeadline and #TaxPortalDown have trended on X, with users sharing screenshots of error messages.
CAs have expressed concern over the pressure to meet deadlines despite technical hurdles, calling the situation “unfair and chaotic.”
Many taxpayers have urged the government to prioritize accessibility over rigid timelines.
Government Response and Clarifications
The Income Tax Department acknowledged the complaints and issued troubleshooting tips, including clearing browser cache, switching browsers, and using incognito mode.
Officials emphasized that many access issues stem from local system settings rather than server-side failures.
Despite the uproar, the department reiterated that the deadline would not be extended further, urging taxpayers to file during off-peak hours.
Professional Bodies and Industry Reaction
Tax associations and CA forums have submitted formal requests for a deadline extension, citing systemic issues and client overload.
Some firms have reported working overnight shifts to meet client demands, with staff stretched thin due to portal inefficiencies.
Industry experts warn that rushed filings could lead to errors, penalties, and increased scrutiny during assessments.
Penalties and Consequences
Taxpayers who miss the September 15 deadline face penalties of up to ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 for those with income below ₹5 lakh.
Late filings may also delay refunds and impact credit scores for individuals and businesses.
The pressure to file on time, despite technical challenges, has raised concerns about procedural fairness.
Looking Ahead
While the government has held firm on the deadline, the episode has reignited calls for a more resilient and scalable digital infrastructure.
Experts suggest that future filing seasons should include buffer periods and contingency plans for portal outages.
The experience has also highlighted the need for improved integration between third-party tax software and the official portal.
Conclusion
The final hours of India’s ITR filing season have turned into a digital endurance test. With the portal under strain and taxpayers scrambling to comply, the demand for an extension has become a chorus of urgency. Yet, the government’s stance remains unchanged. As the deadline closes in, the focus shifts from frustration to action—file now, or face the consequences.
Sources: Business Today, Zee News, Financial Express
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