New 'e-Pay Tax' Facility Streamlines Advance Payment Of Taxes

The Income Tax Department has launched a new facility of 'e-Pay Tax' to facilitate payment of advance tax, with the view to speed up and simplify the process for taxpayers. The move is made ahead of the March 15 deadline for payment of the fourth and last installment of advance tax for FY 2024-25.

To make the process of tax paying easier, the Income Tax Department has introduced a new 'e-Pay Tax' button at the bottom of the 'Quick Links' option on the official e-filing portal. The feature enables taxpayers to pay their taxes from the portal without having to go through different sections.

The department has identified three payment modes to serve different segments of taxpayers:

1. Online Payment: This is compulsory for corporate taxpayers and individuals whose accounts are required to be audited under Section 44AB. Payments are done online using net banking, debit cards, or UPI platforms for added convenience.

2. Offline Payment: Available to non-audit taxpayers, this facility allows payment at specific bank branches. Though this facility is still being offered, the Income Tax Department requests people to conduct electronic transactions for faster processing.

3. e-Payment (Recommended): The department urges taxpayers to use this method with keen interest since it provides automatic confirmation and correct crediting of the amount in the taxpayer's account. The procedure reduces errors and makes tracking easier.

Advance tax is a mechanism by which the income tax liability of the taxpayers is to be paid in installment form in the financial year, as against the year-end. It is for individuals who have over Rs 10,000 tax liability each year. The payment of the final installment on or before March 15 must be made in order to avoid penalty and interest charges.

New Danger of Tax Scams

While facilitating digital convenience, the Income Tax Department has also cautioned against fake messages in the guise of tax refund messages. The scams come in the disguise of pop-up messages or mail to the taxpayer regarding a refund to which he/she is entitled. The scam urges recipients to click on an unfamiliar link to provide bank details.

For the safety of taxpayers, the Income Tax Department made it clear that it never comes to people by means of pop-ups or unsolicited SMS. Any such unwanted message must be immediately reported to the department's special phishing report portal.

The department has further advised that all taxpayers should at all times go to the Income Tax portal itself and not via a link by means of an e-mail message or pop-ups. Taxpayers who require help or query may also call the department's helpline number 1800 103 0025 or 1800 419 0025.

With the launch of the 'e-Pay Tax' facility and greater emphasis on awareness against fraud, the Income Tax Department aims to simplify tax compliance while ensuring that taxpayers are protected against the possibility of fraud.

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