How to Use the New Kar Saathi Portal for Quick, Error-Free Income-Tax Filing

The Income Tax Department launched the Kar Saathi website on 3 November 2026 to make filing income-tax returns easier for every taxpayer. The portal provides a user-friendly interface and round-the-clock AI help, which can cut down the time spent on filing and minimise common errors.

What the Kar Saathi Portal Changes

Kar Saathi is a dedicated web portal that integrates the existing e-filing system with an AI-driven virtual assistant. The assistant can answer queries, guide you through each step of the return, and flag potential mistakes before you submit. The portal also consolidates all relevant forms and schedules, so you no longer need to jump between different pages of the Income Tax Department’s website.

For taxpayers, the main benefit is a smoother, faster filing experience. The AI assistant works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can start your return at any convenient time and get instant help without waiting for a call centre.

Who Can Use Kar Saathi

The portal is open to all individual taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families, and senior citizens who file returns under the Income-Tax Act, 1961 for the FY 2025-26 and earlier. It also supports non-resident Indians filing under the same Act. Businesses and firms continue to use the existing e-filing portal; Kar Saathi is currently limited to individual returns.

Because the portal is web-based, you need a computer or a smartphone with an internet connection. No additional software or registration beyond your existing PAN and password is required.

Practical Impact – A Simple Worked Example

Consider a salaried employee, Raj, with a gross salary of ₹9,00,000 for FY 2025-26. He is eligible for a standard deduction of ₹50,000 and claims a home-loan interest deduction of ₹1,50,000. Under the old system, Raj might miss the home-loan deduction or enter the standard deduction incorrectly, leading to a higher tax liability.

Using Kar Saathi, the AI assistant prompts Raj to enter his salary details, automatically applies the standard deduction, and asks if he has any deductions under Section 24(b). When Raj confirms the home loan, the portal deducts the ₹1,50,000 and recalculates his taxable income to ₹6,80,000. The tax payable comes out to ₹71,500 (including applicable surcharge and cess). Raj saves ₹15,000 in tax that he would have otherwise overpaid due to a missed deduction.

Step-by-Step Guide to File Your Return on Kar Saathi

1. Visit kar-saathi.in and click “Login”. Use your existing PAN, password and OTP to sign in.
2. Select “File Return” and choose the assessment year (e.g., AY 2027-28 for FY 2025-26).
3. The AI assistant greets you and asks a few basic questions: employment type, sources of income, and major deductions.
4. Enter your salary details as shown on Form 16. The portal auto-populates the standard deduction.
5. If you have other income (interest, rent, capital gains), select the relevant schedule. The AI assistant provides brief explanations for each field.
6. When you reach the deductions section, the assistant lists common deductions (Section 80C, 80D, 24(b), etc.) and asks if you wish to claim them. Choose “Yes” and enter the amounts.
7. Review the summary screen. The AI highlights any inconsistencies, such as a deduction amount exceeding the statutory limit, and offers corrective suggestions.
8. Confirm the tax calculation and click “Submit”. You will receive an acknowledgement number instantly.
9. Optionally, you can e-verify the return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC within 120 days of filing.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The portal is live from 3 November 2026. The usual filing deadline for individual returns for FY 2025-26 remains 31 July 2027, unless extended by the Finance Ministry. If you miss the deadline, you can still file a belated return up to the end of the assessment year (31 March 2028), but you may attract interest and penalties.

It is advisable to start early, especially if you rely on the AI assistant to gather documents, because the verification step can take a few days if you choose net-banking or DSC.

Common Mistakes and How Kar Saathi Helps Avoid Them

• Incorrect PAN entry: The AI cross-checks the PAN with the department’s database and alerts you if there is a mismatch.
• Missing Form 16 details: The portal prompts you to upload Form 16; if the TDS amount does not match the entered salary, it flags the discrepancy.
• Over-claiming deductions: When you enter a deduction amount higher than the limit (e.g., ₹1.5 million under Section 80C), the assistant highlights the excess and suggests the permissible amount.
• Wrong assessment year selection: The AI reminds you of the correct AY based on the financial year you are filing for.
• Failure to e-verify: The system sends a reminder 30 days before the verification window closes.

Comparison of Traditional Filing vs. Kar Saathi

Frequently asked questions

Is Kar Saathi free to use?

Yes. The portal is provided by the Income Tax Department at no cost. You only pay any applicable fees for e-verification methods such as DSC, if you choose to use them.

Can I file a return for a previous year on Kar Saathi?

Kar Saathi currently supports the current assessment year only. For returns of earlier years, you must use the standard e-filing portal.

What if the AI assistant gives an answer I disagree with?

You can override the suggestion, but the portal will ask you to confirm the change. If you are unsure, you can consult a tax professional before final submission.

Do I need to download any software?

No. The portal works entirely in a web browser. Ensure your browser is up to date for the best experience.

Sources

• Income Tax Department e-filing portal
• Income Tax Act & Rules
• Income Tax Dept launches ‘Kar Saathi’ website to simplify tax filing, offer 24×7 AI help — DD News

Reviewed: November 2026. Tax rules change — verify the current financial year and assessment year before you rely on any figure.

This is general educational information for Indian taxpayers, not personalised tax, legal or financial advice. Union of Taxpayers is an independent platform and not a government body. Consider a qualified professional for your specific situation.