As the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) approaches, the Income Tax Department has rolled out a new taxpayer support service called ‘TAXASSIST’ to make the filing process smoother and hassle-free.
The deadline to file your ITR for FY 2024–25 is 15th September 2025, and with millions of taxpayers expected to file returns, TAXASSIST aims to address queries, clarify notices, and assist with common filing concerns.
What is TAXASSIST?
TAXASSIST is an official support initiative by the Income Tax Department designed to help taxpayers:
✅ Understand departmental communications
✅ Respond to notices or alerts
✅ Stay updated on key tax deadlines
✅ Ensure correct tax filing
✅ Avoid penalties and scrutiny
The department announced:
“Introducing TAXASSIST, your go-to support for all tax concerns! From helping you navigate departmental communications to reminding you of crucial tax deadlines, TAXASSIST is designed to guide, support, and simplify.”
How TAXASSIST Works – A Practical Example
To help taxpayers understand how TAXASSIST functions, the department shared examples related to Section 80GGC, which allows tax deductions for donations made to political parties or electoral trusts.
Three Common Scenarios Where TAXASSIST Can Help:
1. Mistaken Deduction under Section 80GGC
If a taxpayer unintentionally claims a deduction under Section 80GGC, TAXASSIST will guide them to:
✔️ Revise their return
✔️ File an updated return (ITR-U)
✔️ Pay any due taxes and interest
✔️ Return any excess refund
Failing to act on this advice may lead to scrutiny, penalties, or further action from the department.
2. Fraudulent Deduction Claim
In cases where taxpayers submit false claims under Section 80GGC by showing fake or non-genuine political donations, the Income Tax Department treats it as tax evasion.
TAXASSIST will alert the taxpayer to:
✔️ Revise their ITR or file an updated return (ITR-U)
✔️ Pay the correct tax along with applicable interest
Ignoring such fraudulent claims may invite legal action or prosecution.
3. Genuine Donations under Section 80GGC
If the taxpayer has genuinely donated to a legally registered political party, TAXASSIST recommends:
✔️ Keeping valid donation receipts
✔️ Retaining proof of bank transactions
These documents may be requested by the department during verification or assessment.
Other Recent Taxpayer-Friendly Moves by the IT Department
Along with TAXASSIST, the department has also activated the online submission process for Form ITR-B, applicable to individuals who have received notices under Section 158BC of the Income Tax Act.
Why TAXASSIST Matters for Taxpayers
With rising instances of incorrect claims, tax evasion attempts, and scrutiny notices, TAXASSIST provides much-needed clarity and support to ensure:
✅ Accurate filing of returns
✅ Timely compliance with tax regulations
✅ Avoidance of penalties and legal consequences
✅ Peace of mind for taxpayers
Final Words
The TAXASSIST initiative is part of the Income Tax Department’s broader digital transformation efforts to make tax filing simpler, more transparent, and less stressful for Indian taxpayers. If you receive a TAXASSIST communication, be sure to act promptly and consult your tax advisor if needed.
Stay informed, file your ITR accurately, and avoid penalties this tax season.