Income Tax Portal Not Working: Causes, Fixes & Filing Tips Before Deadline

Sep 15, 2025

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The annual Income Tax Return (ITR) filing rush has begun, and millions of taxpayers are complaining that the income tax portal is not working properly. As the due date approaches, users are facing login issues, failed uploads, and slow loading pages. In this article, we’ll explain in detail why this happens, what you can do to fix it, and how to avoid penalties even when the system misbehaves.

Understanding Why the Income Tax Portal Is Not Working

When large numbers of taxpayers try to file their returns at the last minute, it creates heavy traffic. This results in server overload, slower response times, and frequent timeouts. In addition, browser compatibility, outdated cache files, or even your local network can also contribute to problems.

Below are the most common reasons why the income tax portal is not working during peak filing season:

Cause	Explanation
Server Overload	High user traffic near deadlines slows down or crashes the system.
Browser Compatibility Issues	Older browsers or disabled JavaScript/Cookies can block essential features.
Cache & Cookie Conflicts	Outdated files saved in your browser can cause errors or incomplete page loads.
Payment Gateway Delays	Tax payment gets debited but portal does not reflect it immediately.
Network Problems at User’s End	Weak internet connections may fail during uploads or validation steps.
New Feature Bugs	Updates to AIS or Form 26AS sometimes roll out with glitches that break existing functions.

Common Errors Users Face When the Income Tax Portal Is Not Working

Login fails or repeated logouts
Error messages when uploading XML/JSON returns
“Processing…” pages freezing for minutes
Payment challans not updating in dashboard
AIS and TDS mismatch showing unexpectedly

Quick Fixes When the Income Tax Portal Is Not Working

If you are unable to log in or submit returns, try these steps:

Action	How It Helps
Clear Browser Cache & Cookies	Removes outdated scripts and helps reload fresh portal files.
Switch to Another Browser	Chrome, Edge or Firefox (latest versions) are recommended.
Use Incognito/Private Mode	Disables extensions that may interfere with the portal.
Access During Off-Peak Hours	Early morning or late night sessions reduce server congestion.
Check Browser Settings	Make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled.
Save Draft Offline	Keep a backup of your form in case the session times out.
Keep Screenshots of Errors	Useful as proof if government later allows relief due to portal glitches.

What to Do If Filing Still Fails

If the income tax portal is not working even after trying the above:

Try filing via the offline utility (downloadable from the official portal) and then upload at off-peak times.
Contact the official helpline or email support. Provide your PAN, issue details, and screenshots.
Make sure any tax payments are made at least a day before deadline so they reflect in time.
Document your attempts — this could help in case of late fees appeal.

Risk of Missing Deadline Due to Portal Issues

Missing the filing deadline may result in:

Late fees under Section 234F
Interest on unpaid tax
Loss of carry-forward benefits for certain losses
Delay in refunds

That’s why it’s crucial to plan ahead and not rely on the final day for submission.

Pro Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

File your return at least a few days before the deadline.
Keep your Form 26AS, AIS and bank statements ready beforehand.
Use a stable internet connection and updated browser.
Prepare your ITR offline as a backup.

The Human Side of the Glitch

Many taxpayers express frustration and humor online, saying that filing ITR feels like “waiting for a train that never arrives” when the income tax portal is not working. Some joke about “refreshing the page like it’s a cricket scoreboard.” This highlights how crucial smooth online services are for compliance.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The experiences and numbers described are based on common reports during the filing season and may vary. Always refer to the official Income Tax Department website and notices for the most accurate and updated information.