As the last date for filing income tax returns is coming near, the pressure on taxpayers and chartered accountants is increasing. The last date to file income tax returns is September 15, but technical problems in the income tax portal are creating trouble in filing on time.
In the Gwalior region, less than 50% of taxpayers have filed their returns so far. This may create more problems as the last date comes close. Taxpayers are facing issues like slow portal speed, login problems, and errors while uploading data. Experts say these problems may increase in the last days because most people file returns at the last moment.
Delay in Getting OTP
For e-verification, taxpayers need an OTP on the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. But many taxpayers are facing delay in receiving OTP. Because of this, returns are not completed and processing gets pending.
Loss Due to Delay
Penalty: Late filing can bring a penalty of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. Refund is also not given on late returns.
Extra Interest: Taxpayers have to pay interest for late filing, and refund processing also takes more time.
What CA Said
Chartered Accountant Pankaj Sharma said, “Both return filing and audit are important, but completing both properly in the given dates is a big challenge. The government should consider the actual workload and the capacity of the portal before fixing deadlines.”