ITR Filing FY 23–24: How to file Income Tax Returns via WhatsApp?

This new WhatsApp-based ITR filing service is primarily intended for blue-collar professionals such as drivers, delivery executives, and home service providers, with available options including English, Hindi, and Kannada, ensuring broader reach and usability.

Here's how to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 23-24 and AY 24-25 via WhatsApp. (freepik)

Income Tax Return (ITR) filing FY 23–24 on WhatsApp: As the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the year 2024 draws near, taxpayers must complete this crucial task by the last date, July 31st, to avoid any late fee penalties. This year, revolutionising the tax filing process, ClearTax has introduced a process that allows individuals to file their ITR directly through WhatsApp.

This initiative aims to make Bharat financially self-reliant by making tax filing more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. By leveraging the widespread use of WhatsApp, ClearTax is breaking down barriers and enabling individuals to navigate the tax filing process with ease.

Read | 10 common mistakes to avoid while filing ITR in India

This new WhatsApp-based ITR filing service is primarily intended for blue-collar professionals such as drivers, delivery executives, and home service providers, with available language options including English, Hindi, and Kannada, and ITR 1 and ITR 4 forms available, ensuring broader reach and usability for the most low-income taxpayers.

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How to file income tax returns (ITR) via WhatsApp:

Simplifying the tax filing process and making it accessible to millions of gig workers and low-income taxpayers across India; Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your ITR using WhatsApp.

Step 1: Initiate the conversation

Save ClearTax’s WhatsApp number (+91 89512 62134) and send a message saying “Hi” to start the process.

Step 2: Select your language

Choose your preferred language from the available options, which currently include English, Hindi, and Kannada.

Step 3: Provide your PAN card number

Enter your Permanent Account Number (PAN) or upload a picture of your PAN card when prompted.

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Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number

Share your Aadhaar number as requested to proceed with the filing process.

Step 5: Input your email address

Provide your email address, which will be used for receiving updates and OTPs during the filing process.

Step 6: Fill in personal details

Enter additional personal information, such as your father’s name, locality, bank account number, date of birth, and pin code.

Step 7: Verify your email

Re-enter your email address to receive an OTP for verification. Share the OTP in the WhatsApp chat when prompted.

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Step 8: Tax information fetch

ClearTax will initiate the process to fetch your tax information based on the details provided.

Step 9: Aadhaar OTP verification

Enter the OTP you will receive on your Aadhaar-linked phone number for tax information verification on chat.

Step 10: Review the tax summary

A summary of your tax information will be shared. Review it carefully and, if satisfied, click on “Do e-file” to proceed.

Step 11: Complete payment (if required)

If you need to pay tax, you will receive a message stating, “E-filing initiated, but payment is pending.” Click on the provided link to complete the payment securely through WhatsApp.

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Step 12: Proceed to the e-file

After making the payment (if applicable), click on “Proceed to e-file” in the WhatsApp chat window.

Step 13: Tax verification

Select “Tax Verification” to generate an OTP for final verification. Share this OTP in the chat to complete the ITR filing process.

What are the documents required:

PAN card
Aadhaar card
Email address
Bank account details for refunds (if applicable)

You can submit the required information through images, audio, or text messages, including personal details, income details, and necessary documents.

Read | ITR filing for FY 23–24: Which form to file—types and eligibility criteria

By leveraging the power of WhatsApp and artificial intelligence, this innovative service of filing ITR via WhatsApp makes tax filing accessible, convenient, and user-friendly, with its multilingual support, secure payment integration, and AI-powered guidance.