Many taxpayers across India faced technical issues while trying to file their income tax returns (ITR) today, with the Income Tax e-filing portal experiencing downtime. The issue comes at a crucial time as the deadline for ITR filing for AY 2025-26 is approaching, and lakhs of users are attempting to log in simultaneously.
What Happened to the Income Tax Portal?
Since the morning, several users reported problems accessing the portal, ranging from slow loading to complete inaccessibility. With the surge in last-minute filings, the system appears to have faced heavy traffic, leaving taxpayers worried about meeting the due date.
Official Clarification from Income Tax Department
The Income Tax Department, in an update shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the downtime and assured taxpayers that technical teams are working on priority to resolve the issue. The department has urged taxpayers to remain patient, confirming that services will be restored shortly.
Impact on Taxpayers
For many, this outage has created uncertainty, especially for those aiming to file returns before the due date of 15 September 2025. While there are discussions about whether the due date for ITR filing will be extended, there has been no official confirmation yet. Until such an announcement, taxpayers are advised to file their returns at the earliest once the portal becomes fully functional.
Why Portal Glitches Happen During Deadlines
The income tax e-filing portal often witnesses heavy user traffic closer to due dates. This surge in simultaneous logins and submissions can overload servers, causing slow responses or outages. Such glitches highlight the need for early filing to avoid last-minute stress.
What Should Taxpayers Do Now?
- Keep checking the Income Tax e-filing portal for updates.
- Follow the Income Tax India official handle on X for real-time announcements.
- Prepare all necessary documents in advance so you can file immediately once the portal is back online.
- Stay alert for any official update from the CBDT regarding a possible ITR due date extension.
Conclusion
The Income Tax portal downtime has added to taxpayer anxiety at a critical juncture. While the technical team is actively addressing the issue, taxpayers should stay prepared and avoid waiting until the last moment. An official update regarding deadlines, if any, is expected from the CBDT soon.