ITR Filing on WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide to File Income Tax Return Using WhatsApp

Recently, the tax deduction landscape in India has evolved significantly, particularly affecting individuals in lower income brackets who are engaged in blue-collar professions such as driving, courier services, delivery, and home maintenance. These hardworking individuals now face TDS deductions mandated by the government for service providers. Despite having zero tax liability, they must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) to claim refunds. 

ClearTax has introduced a game-changing solution: WhatsApp ITR Filing to address this challenge and empower these individuals. This innovative platform simplifies the process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and claiming refunds, directly catering to the unique needs and circumstances of the blue-collar economy workforce. By leveraging WhatsApp's widespread use and user-friendly interface, ClearTax has effectively bridged the gap, making tax compliance accessible and efficient for millions of blue-collar workers across India. 

How to File ITR Using WhatsApp Filing

Step 1:  To begin the filing process via WhatsApp, please contact us at +91 8951262134.

Step 2: Selecting your preferred language. Instantly, you'll be greeted with a welcome message guiding you through an easy refund process.

Step 3: You will be asked to enter your PAN or just upload a picture of your PAN.

Step 4: Once a detail is saved successfully, the next detail will be asked. For example, you may be asked for your date of birth in the date/month/year format. You may also be asked for the details of your Aadhaar card. Make sure to fill in all the details as requested to file your ITR seamlessly.

Step 5: You will be asked to enter your email ID so that you can receive all the necessary updates about this Income Tax filing. You will then receive an OTP on this email from ClearTax. Now, enter this OTP in chat.

Step 6: After completing the previous steps, you should receive between 1 to 3 OTPs sent by the Tax Department to your registered mobile number and email address. When prompted for OTPs, enter each individually and allow some time for processing at each step. Please note that it may take 5-7 minutes to receive each OTP. 

Step 7: Once you have entered all the OTPs, you will see a tax summary that highlights your earnings and, most importantly, any tax refunds you are eligible to receive. The tax department will directly deposit this refund amount into your bank account.

Step 8: If your bank details are not updated, you must provide your bank name, account number, and IFSC code. You can find this information on your passbook or chequebook. These details are essential to ensure refunds are deposited directly into your bank account. Rest assured, all your information is 100% secure.

Step 9: After reviewing your information, click “ Do e-file”.

Step 10: Complete the payment by clicking on the payment link. You will be redirected to a new page where an OTP will be sent to your email. Enter the OTP on the payment screen and proceed with the payment. Keep the WhatsApp app open in the background throughout this process. 

Step 11: Once your payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation message. Please type "Next Step" in the chat if you do not receive a confirmation message.

Step 12: Click on “Paid E-File” 

Step 13: Click “Tax Verification” and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to complete the filing process.

Note: Please be patient during the whole process. After you send one message, wait for the response for 2-3 mins. Do not send any messages in between. OTPs might even take up to 5-6 minutes to come to your phone and email.

Things Required for Filing ITR Using WhatsApp

Before you start filing through WhatsApp, please have the following things ready with you:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Email ID
• Bank account Details for refund 

Benefits of WhatsApp ITR Filing

1. Customer Convenience: WhatsApp ITR Filing is focused on customer convenience. It eliminates the need for workers to learn new applications, as WhatsApp is already familiar and widely used. This familiarity reduces barriers to adoption and ensures a seamless user experience.
2. Secure and Instant: Integrating secure payment gateways ensures the protection of user data and transactions, enhancing trust and security. This feature is crucial in handling sensitive financial information during the tax filing process, reassuring users about the safety of their personal data.
3. Multilingual Support: WhatsApp ITR Filing is accessible to a diverse population by offering support in 10 Indian languages, including Hindi, English, Kannada, and more. This multilingual approach caters to users across different regions and linguistic backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that language is not a barrier to tax compliance.
4. Innovative AI Technology: The WhatsApp ITR filing also includes AI to help you while filing ITR. The AI-powered bot excels in user interaction and continuously adapts to meet customers' needs. 
5. User-Centric Approach: Overall, WhatsApp ITR Filing benefits users by offering a secure, user-friendly, and technologically advanced platform for tax filing. It simplifies the process, enhances accessibility through language support, and ensures data security, ultimately empowering users to fulfil their tax obligations with ease and confidence.