The income tax department has launched a newly redesigned website to be more user-friendly along with value-added features, and new modules.
It was launched by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Nitin Gupta at the ’Chintan Shivir’, organised by the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems), at Udaipur.
New aesthetic design
It can be accessed at incometaxindia.gov.in.
The CBDT said that the “revamped website has been aesthetically redesigned with a mobile responsive layout.”
‘Mega Menu’
The website also has a ‘Mega Menu’ for content, with new features, and functionalities.
To aid in navigating the site, all these new additions are explained through a guided virtual tour and new button indicators.
Comparison of Acts, Sections, Rules, and Tax treaties
Users will be able to compare different Acts, sections, rules, and tax treaties with the new functionalities.
All relevant content is now tagged with Income Tax sections for easy navigation.
Dynamic due date functionality
Further, the dynamic due date functionality provides reverse countdowns, tool tips, and links to relevant portals to ease tax compliance.
There is a new due date feature which notifies the upcoming deadlines related to Income Tax.
The CBDT added that the fresh website is another initiative in providing enhanced taxpayer services and will continue to educate taxpayers and facilitate tax compliance.
User-friendly design
Chartered accountant Sandeep Agrawal, Director of Teamlease Regtech listed the various benefits for taxpayers and professionals.
“The website’s user-friendly interface and simplified navigation make it easy to locate tax forms, sections, and information, resulting in reduced time and effort in understanding and filing taxes.
The intuitive design and improved labeling of forms ensure accurate and error-free submissions,” he explained.
Access to direct tax laws
It can be used to learn more about various income tax laws and information about various related income tax services.
This includes access to all direct tax laws, including the Income Tax Act, 1961, and other allied acts, rules, circulars, and notifications.
The laws are cross-referenced and hyperlinked, making it easy to find the information you need.
Making tax compliance easier
Ankit Jain, partner, Ved Jain and Associates, a Delhi-based chartered accountancy firm, said that the new site now offers the option to print or email the relevant portions of the law directly without having to open the relevant law web page first.
Additionally a comprehensive compilation of all other portals (services like PAN card application, etc.) of Income Tax can also be accessed with guides on how to use those portals.
“This will allow even an ordinary citizen to comply with his obligations more easily.”
Faster loading time, broad accessibility
Jain noted the other subtle changes like “the backend servers of the portal have also been enhanced as the websites seem to be loading a lot faster than previously”.
Agrawal said that the site appears to be compatible with a wide range of devices and browsers for convenient access even on the go.
“I particularly like the integration of various services like online tax tools like tax calculators, etc”, he shared.
Updated Contacts page
The ‘Contact Us’ page has been updated to provide support helplines for all the services provided under the Income Tax Department.
This includes PAN-related queries, e-filing of returns, refunds, and grievance redressal forums.
Taxpayer Services Module
The CBDT said that the site “also offers a ‘Taxpayer Services Module’ featuring various tax tools to assist taxpayers in filing their income tax returns.”
It should be noted that the website cannot be used for filing income tax returns (ITRs).
