Filing ITR for FY 2021-22: A Tax Filing Experience Laced with Challenges

The Due date for filing ITR returns for the Assessment Year 2021-22 was on December 31st, 2021. While the process has improved, the online portal faced several issues, making the filing experience both frustrating and time-consuming. This article delves into the challenges faced by users and assesses the overall experience of filing through the new income tax portal.

Challenges Encountered During ITR Filing

Many taxpayers have encountered multiple issues while filing their ITRs through the new income tax portal. Here are some of the common problems reported:

Difficulties in Logging In

Users have reported significant issues getting logged into the system. The process is often a nightmare, with many users unable to access their account despite multiple attempts. Even successful logins can lead to further complications, as the system may automatically select an incorrect form or fail to load forms properly.

Consistent Technical Glitches

Despite the recent improvements, the portal still suffers from technical glitches. Users report that saving entered data leads to system crashes, taking them back to the home page. Additionally, navigating through different sections such as TDS information entry and 80D data can be challenging due to missing data prompts and failed fields.

Manual Data Entry Issues

In some areas, like paying tax, the interface is confusing. Instead of asking for the amount of tax owed, the system may request additional unnecessary details. These issues often elongate the filing process, leading to frustration for both taxpayers and tax consultants.

Professional Insights and Impact on Tax Practitioners

I am a tax consultant who assists multiple clients with their ITR filings. The portal's inconsistent performance adds significant stress to the already complex process. While some aspects of the new system have shown improvement, the overall experience for both assesses and tax practitioners remains subpar. The new site has created more problems than solutions, causing frustration and delaying the filing process for many.

Conclusion

The process of filing ITR for the Assessment Year 2021-22 through the new income tax portal has been plagued with challenges. From tedious login issues to technical glitches and confusing interfaces, the system has led to a frustrating and inefficient filing experience. For now, the portal requires significant refinement, and users are advised to be patient and persistent while filing their returns.

It's essential for the CBDT to address these issues promptly to ensure a smoother filing process for the upcoming fiscal year and to provide a reliable platform for all tax filers.