Filing income tax returns (ITR) is important for gig workers, including drivers, delivery executives, freelancers, home service providers, etc. to ensure they remain compliant with tax regulations and can claim tax refunds they are entitled to. However, the complexity of the tax filing process is often demotivating for many low-income workers to file their ITRs. Now you can file your ITR on WhatsApp as well.
ClearTax, an online tax filing portal, has launched a WhatsApp-based ITR filing service to make the process more accessible and user-friendly for over 20 million low-income blue-collar individuals.
The service will cost you a starting price of Rs. 199, ClearTax told Outlook Money. The cost will vary from vendor to vendor.
AI-assistance: The AI bot enabled on this WhatsApp service provides step-by-step guidance through the filing process. The bot is designed to answer questions and help taxpayers complete their forms accurately. The AI system will also automatically select the most beneficial tax regime for each taxpayer using the service.
In order to limit any misinformation or mistakes while using AI assistance, taxpayers will have the option to seek advice and clear queries from tax experts available on the platform. The users/file can also reach out to their respective employers to access support.
Here’s How You Can File Your ITR on WhatsApp
Step 1: Start by sending a message to ClearTax’s WhatsApp number.
Step 2: Choose the appropriate ITR form. For now, the service supports only ITR 1 and ITR 4.
About the ITR-1 Form (also known as SAHAJ)
ITR-1 is a return filing form. If you earn an income from pension or salaries, single house property, or other sources (excluding betting, gambling, and lotteries), you are eligible to file an ITR-1 form.
In addition to this, if you have an agricultural income of up to Rs 5,000, the Form applies to you as well. If the income of your spouse or minor is clubbed together, you can also file this particular form. Please note: It only applies if the income is up to Rs. 50 lakhs.
About the ITR-4 Form (also known as Sugam)
Sugam applies to individuals, HUFs, and Partnership Firms generating an income from a business or profession. If you have chosen presumptive taxation on your business income under Section 44 AE, 44ADA, and 44ADA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, you have to file an ITR-4 form.
Step 3: Taxpayers can submit the required information through images, audio, or text. This includes personal details, income details, and necessary documents.
You can complete the filing process by making a payment through the secure integration system provided within this WhatsApp interface.
The WhatsApp ITR filing service is available in 10 languages, including English, Hindi, Kannada, etc. to help a diverse user base.
