INVESTMENTS
Record 8.18 crore Income tax returns filed till December 2023
India had a 9% increase in the number of income tax returns submitted through December 31, reaching a record 8.18 crore, compared to 7.51 crore submissions filed through December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, the Ministry of Finance said on January 1 that 8.18 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) have been filed for assessment year (AY) 2023–2024, setting a "record high".
The government reported that over 103.5 crore outreaches were made using targeted e-mail, SMS, and other innovative efforts to urge taxpayers to file their ITRs and forms early.
"The e-filing helpdesk team handled approximately 27.37 lakh queries from taxpayers during the year, supporting the taxpayers proactively during the peak filing periods," stated the announcement.
Additionally, according to the IT department, the usage of "TIN 2.0," a digital e-pay tax payment platform that took the place of the former OLTAS payment system, made it possible to e-pay taxes using convenient choices including Internet Banking, NEFT/RTGS, OTC, Debit Card, payment gateway, and UPI.
Nine percent more ITRs were filed for the A.Y. 2023–2024 till December 31, 2023, as a result of these coordinated efforts.
Throughout the year ending December 31, 2023, the e-filing Helpdesk team responded to almost 27.37 lakh inquiries from taxpayers, offering them proactive help throughout the busiest filing times.
Taxpayers received support via WebEx, live chat, outgoing calls, incoming calls, and co-browsing sessions from the help desk.
In addition, the IT Department asks taxpayers to confirm any unconfirmed ITRs they may have within 30 days of completing their returns in order to avoid penalties.