Aaykar Setu App – An IT department initiative

The income tax department has launched the Aaykar Setu app, which helps taxpayers understand taxation and provides solutions to many queries. The app was launched in July 2017 by the then Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley. The app is a part of the Digital India initiative and follows other apps such as MyGov, Digi Locker, and ePathshala.

Details About the App

The term ‘Aaykar’ means taxpayer and ‘setu’ means bridge. The app acts as a bridge between the government and the taxpayer. It is a free app available for Android users on the Google Play Store. You install the app and choose to register your mobile number with the app. Also, you can link your 12-digit Aadhaar and 10-digit PAN to your account. The app serves as a guide to the taxpayer.

The app enables taxpayers to understand the process, know the utilities available at the income tax website and file taxes for themselves instead of relying on others for help. Also, The app aims to simplify tax compliance, offer quick solutions to taxpayer queries, and enhance the overall efficiency of the tax administration system, promoting digital India and making tax services more accessible and user-friendly.

Utilities Provided by Aaykar Setu

Tax Services:

• File Income Tax Return (ITR): The app links directly to the Income Tax e-filing portal, allowing users to file their ITRs conveniently.
• Tax Payment: Users can make direct tax payments through the app, reducing the need to visit physical offices or banks.
• Know Your PAN: This feature helps users retrieve their Permanent Account Number (PAN) details using their Aadhaar number or other relevant information.
• Track Refund Status: Taxpayers can check the status of their tax refunds through the app.

Tax Tools:

• Tax Calculator: The app includes a tax calculator to help users estimate their tax liability based on their income and deductions.
• TIN (Tax Information Network) Verification: Users can verify their TIN through the app, ensuring their tax information is accurate and up-to-date.

Information Services:

• Tax Gyaan: An interactive quiz that helps users test their knowledge of Indian tax laws and regulations.
• Live Chat: The app offers a live chat feature where users can get real-time answers to their tax-related queries from tax experts.
• Tax Calendar: This feature provides important dates and deadlines to help taxpayers comply with their tax obligations.

Grievance Redressal:

• Aaykar Sampark: The app allows users to lodge complaints and track the status of the grievances with the Income Tax Department.

Educational Resources:

• Videos and Tutorials: The app includes a library of educational videos and tutorials on various tax topics, helping users understand tax processes and regulations better.
• News and Updates: Users can stay informed about the latest news and updates from the Income Tax Department.

Other Information

The app keeps you up-to-date on tax dates and forms used for various purposes. You will receive SMS alerts on the registered mobile number. It also offers services such as a refund application, a guide to viewing TDS details, Form 16 and more.

Example on Aaykar Setu

Consider that Mr V, aged 55 years, heard about the app from an acquaintance and has installed it on his smartphone. He has registered on the app with his mobile number. Now, he can receive all the updates from the income tax department via SMS. Mr V opens the ‘Ask IT’ option on the app and enters his query regarding the calculation of income tax at 2 p.m. Since he uses the feature at 2 p.m., the chatbot provides a response to his query and provides all the required information.

On the other hand, if Mr V had tried to chat on Ask IT at 7.30 p.m., he would not receive any response as the feature is active from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Arun Jaitley, the then Finance Minister, said that the app will reduce the physical interface between assessing officer (AO) and assessees, while the physical interface can be time-consuming and lead to improprieties.

The app has already reduced many interfaces and made compliance easy. This digital initiative facilitates the filing of ITRs in a user-friendly manner. It also facilitates tracking the status of the ITR, income tax refunds, and income tax notices for a taxpayer. This app is a useful step in reducing the interface between the taxpayer and the Income tax department. As the app continues to evolve and incorporate more features, it is poised to play a crucial role in the digital transformation of tax services in India.

Also Read:

1. E-Pathshala
2. Income Tax -Updates, Basics, Tax Slab, Rules, Guide AY 2024-25