Intro Paragraph:
As ITR filing begins, many taxpayers are facing frustrating issues like login errors, alert messages, and slow response times on the Income Tax Portal. With the deadline approaching and millions expected to file under Section 139(1), these glitches are triggering anxiety across India.
What’s Happening: Common Portal Issues Reported
Here’s what users are encountering as of the second week of June 2025:
- Login Failures: OTP not received or authentication failed.
- “Alert Error” Messages: Pop-ups that halt the filing process.
- Delayed Dashboard Loading
- Pre-filled Data Missing: PAN and salary data not auto-updated.
- E-verification Lag: Acknowledgement not received even after Aadhaar OTP.
Income Tax Portal Status: Official Response
As of June 12, 2025, no official downtime alert has been published on www.incometax.gov.in or via @IncomeTaxIndia handle. However, the CBDT helpdesk has acknowledged a higher-than-usual load and advised retrying during off-peak hours (early morning or late night).
Expert View: What Should Taxpayers Do?
Chartered Accountants suggest these quick tips:
✅ Clear browser cache and try logging in via incognito mode.
✅ Use updated browsers like Chrome or Edge.
✅ Try late-night hours (between 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM) for smoother access.
✅ Avoid simultaneous logins from multiple devices.
✅ Download utility forms and pre-fill offline, then upload.
ITR Filing Begins: Know Your Options If the Site Fails
Here’s what you can do if the portal keeps glitching:
| Issue Faced | Recommended Action | Source/Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Login OTP not received | Retry after clearing cookies or use Aadhaar eKYC | CBDT FAQs |
| Alert error or crash | Wait 1–2 hours, try late-night filing | Expert tip |
| Pre-filled data missing | Download AIS/TIS and manually cross-verify | Income Tax Portal |
| Form not uploading | Use the Offline Utility tool | Rule 12 of IT Rules |
| E-verification failed | Retry via Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking | Sec. 139(1) |
Practical Tip from Efiletax
If you’re unable to file due to persistent tech errors, don’t wait till July. Upload a draft return offline and complete e-verification later — this reduces the last-minute rush and helps avoid interest under Section 234A/B.
Need help filing? Talk to Efiletax experts for seamless ITR support.
Internal Server Errors: A Recurring Problem
This isn’t new. In previous years (notably in AY 2022–23), Deloitte and CAs had flagged similar issues. Despite upgrades, India’s ITR portal continues to struggle under peak load. The upcoming July 31 deadline for non-audit taxpayers makes this a high-pressure period.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Taxpayers
Q1. Is the ITR Portal down right now?
Not officially. But many users are facing real-time glitches. Try during non-peak hours.
Q2. What happens if I can’t file by July 31?
Late filing attracts ₹5,000 penalty (₹1,000 if income < ₹5 lakh) under Section 234F.
Q3. Can I file ITR offline?
Yes, use the ITR Utility tool to prepare and upload your return.
Summary
ITR filing begins, but taxpayers report login failures, alert errors, and delays on the Income Tax Portal. Here’s what to do if you’re stuck.