A Step-by-Step Guide for Individual Taxpayers on the Income Tax Department’s Portal

Paying your income tax in India doesn’t have to be a complex ordeal. The Income Tax department’s online portal provides a convenient and user-friendly way to settle your tax dues. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Before We Begin: What You’ll Need

• Permanent Account Number (PAN): This unique ten-digit alphanumeric code acts as your tax identification number.
• Mobile Number: An active mobile number registered with the Income Tax department is crucial for receiving verification codes.
• Basic Internet Access: A computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection is all you need.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Head to the e-Filing Portal: Navigate to the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/.

2. Locate the ‘e-Pay Tax’ Section: On the homepage, look for the ‘e-Pay Tax’ section. It might be directly visible or under a tab labelled ‘Services’.

3. Choose Your Payment Mode: The portal offers two options:

   • Pre-Login Service (For Quick Payments): This option allows you to pay without logging in.
   • Post-Login Service (For Detailed Tracking): This option requires logging in with your registered credentials and offers greater control over challan generation and tax payment history.

Making a Payment Without Logging In (Pre-Login Service):

1. Click on ‘e-Pay Tax’ on the homepage.
2. Enter your PAN number and a valid mobile number.
3. Select the appropriate ‘Assessment Year’ (AY). The AY corresponds to the financial year for which you’re filing taxes (e.g., 2023-24 for taxes on income earned between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024).
4. Choose the ‘Payment Type’ from options like ‘Advance Tax’, ‘Self-Assessment Tax’, or ‘Tax on Regular Assessment’.
5. Enter the ‘Tax Amount’ you intend to pay.
6. Select your preferred ‘Payment Method’ – net banking or debit card from authorized banks.
7. A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to validate the transaction.
8. Upon successful verification, you’ll receive a confirmation message and challan details for reference.

Making a Payment After Logging In (Post-Login Service):

1. Log in to the e-filing portal with your User ID and password.
2. On the dashboard, click on ‘e-File’ followed by ‘e-Pay Tax’.
3. The interface is similar to the pre-login service. Enter PAN, mobile number, AY, Payment Type, and Tax Amount.
4. You can choose to either ‘Generate Challan’ for offline payment or proceed with online payment using the available options.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions for secure online payment using net banking or debit card.
6. Similar to the pre-login service, you’ll receive a confirmation message and challan details upon successful payment.

Important Tips:

• Double-check all information entered, especially PAN and AY, to avoid errors.
• Keep a copy of the challan for future reference.
• You can make multiple payments throughout the year to settle your tax liability.
• The Income Tax department website provides a detailed user manual for the ‘e-Pay Tax’ service in case you need further assistance https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/e-filing-services/working-payments/e-pay-tax-1.

By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the Income Tax department’s portal and fulfill your tax obligations seamlessly. Remember, timely tax payments not only ensure compliance but also contribute to nation-building.