Steps to Submit a Grievance
The method to submit a grievance depends on whether you're a registered user of the e-filing portal or not.
If You Are Registered on the E-filing Portal:
- Sign In: Access the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department and log in to your account.
- Navigate: Head to the "Grievances" section.
- File a Complaint: Choose "Submit Grievance," select the category of your issue, and fill in the required details.
- Confirmation: Upon submission, you'll see a success message and receive a transaction ID. An email confirmation will be sent to your registered email ID.
If You Are Not Registered on the E-filing Portal:
- Visit the Website: Go to the e-filing website.
- Locate Grievance Section: Scroll to the bottom and find the "Grievance" option under the "Contact Us" section.
- Choose Non-Registered User: Select "I do not have a PAN/TAN" and click "Continue."
- Enter Personal Information: Fill in your details, verify via the OTP sent to your phone and email, and select the type of grievance.
- Provide Additional Details: Input the relevant assessment year, financial year, and PAN/TAN application number if applicable.
- Explain Your Grievance: Provide a detailed description of the issue and attach supporting documents.
- Submit: Complete the process by clicking "Submit Grievance."
Timeline for Resolving Grievances
Typically, the Income Tax Department resolves grievances within eight weeks, although many are settled within one month. In cases where grievances are escalated via the Prime Minister's Office, Finance Minister's Office, or the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the resolution timeline is reduced to 21 days.
Types of Grievances Handled on e-Nivaran
The platform addresses a wide range of issues, including:
- Delayed application processing
- Incorrect tax demands
- PAN-related problems
- Income tax return (ITR) discrepancies, refunds, and related queries
- Technical issues with the website or e-filing forms
Checking the Status of Your Grievance
To check the status of a previously submitted grievance:
- Log In: Visit the e-filing portal and sign in to your account.
- Go to the Grievances Section: Navigate to the "Grievances" tab.
- View Grievance Status: Select "View Grievance Status" to see the latest updates on your complaint.
Escalating an Income Tax Refund Issue
If an issue related to an income tax refund remains unresolved, you can escalate it within the same portal. Simply follow the grievance submission steps, but within the description, choose the option to escalate the matter for a more urgent response.