If you’ve logged into the income tax portal recently and felt things look a bit different, you’re not imagining it. With new tax rules in place and the system getting an upgrade, the overall experience has changed. While the updates aim to make filing easier, they also mean
The good news is that a few simple tools, available under the ‘Quick Links’ section, can help you navigate this transition smoothly.
Here’s a simple guide to five important links you should check right away.
This has quickly become one of the most important features on the portal. The e-Pay Tax option allows you to pay taxes under both the old and new systems through one place.
You can choose from multiple payment modes like net banking, debit card, NEFT/RTGS, payment gateway, or even over-the-counter options. The system also helps you pick the correct challan, reducing the chances of errors during payment.
If you or someone in your family doesn’t have a PAN yet, this feature is worth knowing. The Instant e-PAN facility allows you to get a PAN almost instantly using Aadhaar.
It’s completely digital, free of cost, and issued in a PDF format. Since it is based on Aadhaar e-KYC, the process is quick and doesn’t require paperwork.
Many taxpayers think filing the return is enough, but that’s only half the job. Unless you verify it, your return isn’t complete.
The e-Verify Return link lets you do this instantly using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other methods. A verified return gets processed faster, which also means quicker refunds.
Ever paid tax and then wondered if it actually went through? This is where this link helps.
Using Know Tax Payment Status, you can confirm whether your payment was successful. You’ll need your PAN or TAN and the challan reference number—a 14-digit code generated at the time of payment.
PAN-Aadhaar linking remains compulsory. Without it, you may not be able to file your return or complete other tax-related tasks.
This section lets you check whether your PAN is already linked with Aadhaar and fix it if it isn’t. It’s a small step, but an essential one for staying compliant.
Why do these links matter now
With the old Income Tax Act, 1961 now replaced and new rules kicking in, the system is going through a transition phase. For a short period, both old and new frameworks may overlap, which can be confusing.
That’s exactly where these quick links help. They simplify key tasks, reduce mistakes, and make the overall process smoother.
In other words, the updated income tax portal is designed to make things easier—but only if you use the right tools. These five links are not just shortcuts; they are essential steps to help you file correctly, avoid delays, and stay on the right side of the new tax system.