Income Tax Site Not Working – Common Issues & Solutions

The Income Tax Department’s official e-Filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in) is the go-to platform for taxpayers across India. This is the primary platform for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), checking your refund status, downloading Form 26AS, or other tax-related services. 

 

However, users often report glitches or slowdowns when using the platform, especially during the ITR season. If you're wondering why the Income Tax site is not working, this guide can help you troubleshoot common issues and ensure a smoother experience. 

The e-Filing portal may stop working or display errors for several reasons. Below are some key causes and possible ways to fix them-

a) Server Overload During Peak Times

Cause: When too many users try to access the portal at once—usually near the ITR-filing deadline of 31st July —the servers may become overloaded. 

Solution: 

• Try logging in during off-peak hours (early morning or late night)

• Avoid waiting till the last date to file your return

• Check if the portal has posted a downtime message on the homepage 

b) Unexpected Technical Glitches

Cause: Routine maintenance or unexpected bugs in the backend can disrupt services. 

Solution: 

• Visit the ‘Latest Updates’ section for alerts on ongoing maintenance

• Wait for a few hours and try again later

• Follow the Income Tax Department’s official Twitter handle @IncomeTaxIndia for real-time updates 

c) User-Side Issues

Cause: Sometimes the problem may be due to the user’s own browser, device settings, or internet connectivity. 

Solution: 

• Clear browser cache and cookies

• Try using a different browser 

• Disable pop-up blockers or ad extensions that may interfere with page loading

a) Unable to Login

Issue: This can happen due to incorrect credentials, if a user’s PAN is not linked with Aadhaar, or due to server issues. 

Possible Fixes:

• Ensure your PAN is registered and linked with your Aadhaar Card

• Reset your password using the ‘Forgot Password’ option

• Try logging in using Aadhaar OTP if the password login option fails

• Check for server errors, clear the cache, or try a different browser

b) Aadhaar OTP Not Working

Issue: OTP issues can arise if the mobile number linked with Aadhaar is not active or network delays occur. 

Possible Fixes:

• Check if your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar

• Resend the OTP and wait for a few minutes

• Contact UIDAI if mobile number updates are required 

• Verify if your Aadhaar details are updated

c) Pre-Filled Data Missing in ITR Form

Issue: Pre-filled data includes salary details, tax deductions, and Form 26AS information. Missing data can cause delays in ITR filing. 

Possible Fixes: 

• Ensure you have linked your PAN with Aadhaar and bank accounts properly

• Check if your Form 26AS is updated with your tax credits

• Try reloading the form or logging in again after some time

• If the data is still missing, manually enter details from your Form 26AS or Annual Information Statement (AIS)

d) Issues with Downloading Form 26AS/AIS

Issue: Form 26AS is essential for verifying Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). Sometimes, it may not download or show errors. 

Possible Fixes:

• Ensure you have the latest PDF reader installed

• Open the file using your date of birth as the password (DD/MM/YYYY format)

• Wait for some time if it looks like the portal is under maintenance

• Use the Traces portal (https://www.tdscpc.gov.in) to download Form 26AS directly

e) E-Verification Errors

Issue: After filing ITR, e-verification is mandatory. Errors here can cause the ITR filing to be considered incomplete. 

Possible Fixes:

• Check if your bank account is pre-validated on the portal

• Ensure the account is linked to your PAN and mobile number

• Use an alternative method like Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking

• If e-verification fails, send a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) within 120 days. 

f) Payment Gateway Issues

Issue: Tax payment failures can occur due to gateway timeouts or if there are problems with your bank’s servers.

Possible Fixes:

• Don’t refresh or close the browser while payment is processing

• Check with your bank for any restrictions or downtime

• Try alternative payment modes like net banking, UPI, or debit/credit cards

• If the amount is debited but no receipt is generated, wait 24 hours before retrying or contact your bank

g) Website Shows 'Service Unavailable'

Issue: A message like 'Service Unavailable' or a 503 error typically indicates server overload or maintenance.

Possible Fixes:

• Confirm whether scheduled maintenance is ongoing

• Try again after a while or switch devices

• Follow the Income Tax Department’s official Twitter handle @IncomeTaxIndia for real-time updates
  

a) Use the Right Browser & Settings

Use updated versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for seamless use. Enable JavaScript and cookies to ensure full functionality. 

b) Keep Your Internet Connection Stable

Frequent disconnections may cause sessions to time out. Use a reliable broadband or mobile network for uninterrupted access.

c) Log in During Off-Peak Hours

Filing your return late at night or early in the morning helps avoid server congestion. Avoid weekends and deadline days.

d) Update Browser & Disable Extensions

Clear cache, update the browser regularly, and disable plugins that may interfere with page scripts, like ad blockers or auto-fill tools.

e) Keep Backup of Your ITR Data

Save copies of your pre-filled forms, payment acknowledgement receipts, etc. for future reference. Save them in both cloud and local storage.

If you've tried all these steps and still face issues, you can reach out to the Income Tax Department through the following methods: 

• Helpline: 1800 103 0025 (Toll-Free)

• Email: efilingwebmanager@incometax.gov.in

• Live Chat: Available on the bottom right of the homepage

• Online Portal: Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help to raise a ticket

 

You might have to provide your PAN, error screenshot, and a description of the issue for faster resolution.