Need Help Filing ITR? How Assisted Filing Works On The Tax Portal

Filing an income tax return (ITR) can become confusing if a taxpayer is unsure about the correct form, tax regime, deductions, capital gains or refund details. To make the process easier, the Income Tax Department’s (ITD) e-filing portal provides assisted filing options, allowing taxpayers to seek help from designated professionals or representatives.

The feature is meant for taxpayers who may not be comfortable filing their return on their own, or those who need professional support because their income details, tax credits or deductions require closer review.

How Assisted Filing Works

Under assisted filing, a taxpayer can add a chartered accountant (CA), e-return intermediary or authorised representative on the e-filing portal. Once added and assigned, the professional can assist with return filing or other permitted services, depending on the role given, according to a recent report by CNBC.

A CA can be added through the My CA service. After the CA accepts the request, the taxpayer can assign relevant forms or services. The taxpayer also has the option to remove a CA or withdraw an assignment later.

An e-return intermediary, or ERI, is an authorised intermediary who can file income tax returns and perform certain functions on behalf of taxpayers. ERIs may use the Income Tax Department’s utility, approved software, application programming interface-based systems, or their own offline utilities, depending on their category.

Taxpayers can add an ERI through the My ERI service. An ERI can also add a taxpayer as a client after taking consent. If the taxpayer is not registered on the portal, the ERI may help with registration before adding the person as a client.

Who May Need An Authorised Representative

The assisted filing system also allows the use of an authorised representative in specific situations. This may apply where a taxpayer is not able to attend to income tax matters personally. For instance, an individual who is absent from India or a non-resident may authorise an eligible person to act on his or her behalf.

Such access should be given carefully. Taxpayers should understand what permission is being granted and for which function. Personal information, bank details, income data, tax payments and deductions must be checked before submission.

Who Can Use ITR-1

For many salaried taxpayers, ITR-1, also called Sahaj, is the simplest return form. It can be used by a resident individual whose total income does not exceed Rs 50 lakh and whose income comes from salary or pension, one house property, family pension, agricultural income up to Rs 5,000, specified long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh, and other sources such as interest income.

However, ITR-1 cannot be used by non-residents, resident but not ordinarily resident individuals, company directors, those with business or professional income, those with taxable capital gains beyond the permitted limit, or those who have invested in unlisted equity shares.

Assisted filing can reduce errors, but it does not remove the need for taxpayer caution. Before submitting the return, taxpayers should verify Form 16, AIS, TIS, Form 26AS, bank details, deductions, and refund information. Once the return is filed, any mismatch can still lead to notices, refund delays, or the need to revise the return.

FAQs

1. What is assisted filing on the income tax portal?

Assisted filing allows taxpayers to take help from a chartered accountant, e-return intermediary, or authorised representative to file ITR or complete permitted tax-related services.

2. Can a taxpayer remove a CA or ERI after assigning work?

Yes, the taxpayer can withdraw an assignment or remove the CA or ERI from the e-filing portal if the assistance is no longer required.

3. Does assisted filing remove the taxpayer’s responsibility?

No. Taxpayers must still verify Form 16, AIS, TIS, Form 26AS, bank details, deductions, and refund details before submitting the return.