Taxpayers Frustrated as I-T Portal Glitches Threaten September 15 Deadline

Taxpayers Question ITR Deadline Amid Portal Crashes

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As the September 15 deadline looms, Indian taxpayers and chartered accountants are raising serious concerns about the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, which is reportedly plagued with glitches. The frustration is palpable, with many questioning whether the government is using the technical issues as a way to collect late fees.

The Problem: A Glitchy Portal and Late Utilities

Despite the approaching deadline, taxpayers are struggling with a variety of issues on the portal, including failed payments, incorrect data downloads, and slow loading times. CA Parag Jain, a prominent voice on social media, has openly challenged the Income Tax Department and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He pointed out that not only are people facing technical hurdles, but the ITR utilities themselves were released late, giving taxpayers a compressed window to file. This has led him to ask a direct and provocative question: “Is this simply a way to collect late fees?”

Government Holds Firm, Rejects Extension

In response to the public outcry, the government has stood its ground. The Income Tax Department has taken to its official X account to firmly reject viral rumors of an extension, stating that the deadline remains September 15. The department has not provided a reason for the firm stance, leaving many taxpayers to assume they will not get an extension.

Public Frustration Mounts

The sentiment online is overwhelmingly one of frustration. Social media platforms are filled with complaints from users unable to file their returns due to the slow and buggy portal. One user wrote, “Income tax portal is working slowest. Can’t file due to this… This is unacceptable,” while another urged the government to extend the date, saying, “Government should extend date of ITR as website is stuck and not loading.”

The current deadline of September 15 was already an extension from the original due date of July 31. With the portal still facing issues and the government unwilling to budge, many taxpayers are in a difficult position, facing the possibility of penalties for reasons beyond their control.