Summary of this article
Over 2.10 lakh delivery partners filed ITRs through platform facility
Zomato and Blinkit workers secured Rs 33.6 crore tax refunds
Around 75 per cent of users were first-time ITR filers
ITRs can provide gig workers with formal proof of income
More than 2.10 lakh delivery partners associated with Zomato and Blinkit filed their income tax returns for financial year 2025-26 through a facility introduced by the two platforms. The exercise helped them secure tax refunds totalling Rs 33.6 crore.
Around 75 per cent of those who used the facility were filing an income tax return (ITR) for the first time. This means that roughly 1.57 lakh delivery partners entered the return-filing system through the initiative.
The average refund received by each filer was about Rs 1,600. While the amount may appear modest, it represents tax that could otherwise have remained unclaimed if the delivery partner had not filed a return.
3 September 2026
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Why Delivery Partners Received Tax Refunds
Tax may be deducted at source from payments made to delivery partners. However, tax deducted at source (TDS) does not necessarily represent the worker’s final income tax liability.
A person may be eligible for a refund if the tax deducted during the year is higher than the amount eventually payable after considering total income, eligible deductions, and the applicable tax regime. The refund can be claimed only after an income tax return is filed and processed by the Income Tax Department (ITD).
For gig workers, return filing can be more complicated than it is for salaried employees. Their earnings may fluctuate from month to month, and some may work with more than one platform. They must also reconcile their earnings and TDS details with Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) before submitting the return, according to a recent report by Fortune India.
A mismatch in income or tax details can delay the processing of the return or the issue of a refund. Delivery partners should, therefore, verify the figures rather than rely solely on the amount shown in the platform’s payout records.
Filing Facility Offered Through Partner Apps
Zomato and Blinkit made the tax-filing service available at a subsidised rate through a third-party provider. Delivery partners could begin the process from their respective partner apps instead of visiting a tax professional or filing independently on the income tax portal.
The digital, self-service process allowed workers to verify their details, authenticate themselves through a one-time password, and submit the required information. A chatbot was integrated into the apps to provide immediate assistance, while a dedicated helpline was available for additional queries.
Aditya Mangla, Chief Executive Officer, Zomato said this could be the first interaction with formal financial services for many delivery partners. According to him, making the process accessible could also help workers obtain credit more easily and improve their financial security over time.
ITR Can Serve As Proof Of Income
Filing an income tax return can have benefits beyond obtaining a refund. Gig workers generally do not receive salary slips or Form 16 in the manner of regular employees. An ITR can, therefore, become an important record of their annual income.
Banks and other financial institutions may ask for past returns while considering applications for loans, credit cards or other financial products. Landlords and visa authorities may also seek income-related documents in certain cases.
The return-filing programme forms part of a broader set of measures offered to delivery partners by Zomato and Blinkit. These include outpatient treatment cover, medical and accident insurance, maternity insurance and paid period rest days for women delivery partners.
The platforms have also introduced access to fixed and recurring deposits and pension accounts under the gig-worker variant of the National Pension System (NPS). For first-time filers, however, the immediate gain has been simpler tax compliance and recovery of money already deducted from their earnings.
FAQs
1. Why can delivery partners receive an income tax refund?
They may receive a refund when the TDS deducted from their earnings exceeds their final tax liability for the year.
2. What should gig workers check before filing their ITR?
They should match their income and TDS details with Form 26AS and AIS, particularly if they have worked with multiple platforms.
3. How can filing an ITR benefit gig workers beyond tax refunds?
An ITR serves as proof of income and may support applications for loans, credit cards, rental accommodation, or visas.
