Income Tax Dept launches 'Kar Saathi' website to simplify tax filing, offer 24x7 AI help
New Delhi, April 2
The Income Tax Department on Thursday launched a new website called 'Kar Saathi', aimed at making tax-related processes simpler and more user-friendly.
The department said the platform brings all direct tax information under one roof and is designed to be easier to navigate and faster to use.
Announcing the launch on X, Income Tax India shared that the new website will help taxpayers access all information in one place while introducing 'Kar Saathi', an AI-powered companion to guide users through their tax-related queries and processes.
"The New Income Tax website is here. Simpler to navigate and faster to use," the department said.
"One place to access all Income Tax related information. Meet Kar Saathi, your AI companion to help make your Direct Tax related journeys easier," it added.
The move is part of the government's broader push to modernise tax administration and improve user experience through technology.
The AI chatbot, Kar Saathi, is expected to provide round-the-clock assistance to taxpayers via the department's website.
The initiative was earlier highlighted by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Ravi Agrawal during the launch of 'PRARAMBH', an outreach programme aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025.
He had said that digital services, including the new website and guidance tools, will be rolled out in phases to create a seamless and technology-driven system.
Agrawal described PRARAMBH, which stands for Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat, as a major step in India's tax administration journey.
He said the transition to the new tax framework is not just about introducing a new law, but also about making the system simpler, clearer and more reliable for taxpayers.
As part of the simplification exercise, the number of rules has been reduced significantly from 510 to 333, while the number of forms has been cut from 399 to 190.
This reduction is expected to ease compliance and may eliminate requirements for over six crore transactions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Reducing forms from 399 to 190 is the real news here! Less paperwork means less time wasted. My CA uncle will have a slightly easier time during tax season. The 'one place for all info' concept is long overdue. Good initiative.
Sounds promising on paper. But will 'Kar Saathi' work during peak filing deadlines when the server is overloaded? And what about people in rural areas with limited internet? The digital push is great, but the basics like reliable infrastructure need to be in place first.
As an NRI trying to manage taxes in India, a centralized portal with clear guidance is a blessing. Navigating between different sections for TDS, refunds, and notices was confusing. Hope this 'AI companion' is truly helpful and not just a basic FAQ bot.
Simplification is key. The old website felt like it was designed in the 90s. If the new one is actually faster and the AI can help my father file his capital gains correctly, that's a big win for common taxpayers. More power to such e-governance.
While I appreciate the effort, I'm cautiously optimistic. Government websites often launch with fanfare but then lack proper maintenance and updates. Will 'Kar Saathi' be trained on the latest circulars and case laws? The proof will be in the pudding, or should I say, in the filing. 😅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.