Introduction: Why the Income Tax Portal Matters

Let’s be honest — taxes can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. The Income Tax Portal is your one-stop shop for everything tax-related in India, and understanding how to use it is a life skill today. Whether you’re filing returns, checking refund status, or replying to a notice, this portal makes it all digital and smooth. But only if you know where to click! As a reputed tax consultant in Chennai, I’ve guided hundreds through this maze — and now, I’m here to guide you too.

Getting Started: Creating and Logging into Your Account

Prerequisites Before Registration

Before you hop onto the portal, keep a few things ready:

  • Your PAN number
  • A working mobile number
  • An active email ID
  • Bank account details
  • Aadhaar (linked to PAN)

Trust me, having these handy will save you a lot of back-and-forth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering on the Portal

  1. Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
  2. Click ‘Register’ at the top right corner.
  3. Select your user type – usually ‘Individual’.
  4. Fill in your PAN, then your personal details.
  5. Verify via OTPs sent to your phone and email.
  6. Set a strong password (don’t use ‘1234’ please!).

And boom! You’re in.

Logging in Securely – Tips to Keep in Mind

Always log in via the official portal. Enable two-factor authentication, avoid public Wi-Fi, and never share your login credentials with anyone — not even your CA.

Understanding the Dashboard

What You’ll See on the Dashboard

The homepage after login is your command center. It shows:

  • Pending actions
  • E-filing history
  • Messages from CPC
  • Access to common services like ITR filing, refund tracking, etc.

Personal Profile Section

Make sure your personal details — address, email, mobile — are up to date. These details are used for communications, and an outdated mobile number can mean missed OTPs and missed deadlines.

Quick Links and Important Services

Use Quick Links for:

  • Filing income tax return
  • Checking refund status
  • Updating Aadhaar
  • Downloading PAN, Form 26AS, etc.

Filing Your Income Tax Return (ITR)

Know Which ITR Form You Need

Choosing the wrong ITR form is like using a 2-wheeler license to drive a truck. Here’s a quick guide:

  • ITR-1: Salaried individuals
  • ITR-2: Capital gains
  • ITR-3: Business income
  • ITR-4: Presumptive income

Still confused? That’s when a tax consultant in Chennai like me comes in handy.

Pre-filled vs Manual Filing

The portal now supports pre-filled returns, pulling data from your PAN, Form 26AS, and AIS. You can edit if something looks off. For those comfortable with numbers, manual entry is also an option.

E-Verification of ITR

Filing is not enough. You must e-verify within 30 days. Choose any of these:

  • Aadhaar OTP
  • Net banking
  • Demat account
  • Sending signed ITR-V to CPC

Viewing Your Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement)

Why Form 26AS is Crucial

Form 26AS shows all your TDS, advance tax payments, and refunds. It’s your tax report card — always check it before filing.

How to Access Form 26AS

  1. Log in
  2. Go to e-file > Income Tax Returns > View Form 26AS
  3. You’ll be redirected to TRACES — accept the terms and proceed

Exploring the New AIS

AIS gives a 360-degree view of your financial transactions. It covers:

  • Interest income
  • Mutual fund investments
  • Stock trades
  • Credit card spends

It helps detect mismatches between your data and the IT Department’s data.

Responding to Notices and Intimations

Types of Notices You Might Receive

  • Section 143(1): Summary Intimation
  • Section 139(9): Defective Return
  • Section 148: Reassessment
  • Section 245: Adjustment against refund

How to Respond through the Portal

Use the ‘e-Proceedings’ tab. Upload your response, attach documents, and always reply within the deadline. Delay = penalty.

E-Proceedings and Assessments

What is E-Proceeding?

This feature helps you respond to tax officers without visiting the IT office. Everything happens online — queries, replies, submissions.

Uploading Responses to Queries

Once you get a notice:

  1. Click e-Proceedings > Submit Response
  2. Choose the notice
  3. Upload documents (PDF format)
  4. Click submit

Keeping Track of Your Case History

All notices, responses, and updates are logged under ‘e-Proceedings’ and ‘e-Assessment/Appeal’ tabs.

Refunds and Grievances

How to Track Your Refund Status

Go to:
‘Services > Refunds > Refund Status’
You’ll see if it’s processed, under review, or failed.

Filing a Grievance Online

Use the ‘Grievances’ section if you face issues:

  • Refund delay
  • Wrong assessment
  • Portal errors

Contacting the CPC Helpdesk

Use the toll-free number: 1800 103 0025 or drop an email at ask@incometax.gov.in. They’re more responsive than you’d expect!

Other Useful Tools and Calculators

Tax Calculator

Check how much you owe, and whether the old or new regime suits you better.

Advance Tax & TDS Estimator

Plan your payments so you don’t get a hefty demand notice later.

Linking PAN with Aadhaar

This is mandatory — failing which your PAN becomes inoperative. Do it from the ‘Profile Settings’ section.

Common Errors to Avoid on the Income Tax Portal

Name and PAN Mismatches

Make sure your PAN and Aadhaar match — even a middle name difference can cause issues.

Not Verifying Your Return

If you forget this step, your ITR is considered invalid. You’ll get a notice. Don’t skip it!

Uploading Wrong Documents

Only submit what’s asked. Irrelevant or incorrect uploads can lead to unnecessary scrutiny.

How a Tax Consultant in Chennai Can Help

When Should You Seek Expert Help?

  • If you have multiple sources of income
  • If you receive a notice
  • If you run a business or freelance
  • If you have foreign assets or crypto income

Benefits of Hiring a Tax Consultant in Chennai

A local tax consultant in Chennai understands not just the central rules, but also the regional nuances, exemptions, and the most efficient ways to save tax legally. Plus, they deal with the portal every day — they know its tricks and traps.

Conclusion

The Income Tax Portal isn’t as scary as it seems. With the right guidance and a little patience, you can master it like a pro. But if ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert — especially a tax consultant in Chennai who knows the ropes and can ensure you never miss a beat (or a refund!).