New Delhi: The Income Tax department is planning to launch an upgraded e-filing platform, ITR E-Filing Portal 3.0, designed to be simpler and more user-friendly for filing returns, media reports said.

According to an internal circular dated October 8, the new portal will retain the core functionalities of its predecessor while incorporating several improvements for a more seamless and secure experience, reported Business Standard.

To ensure the platform meets user needs, the department is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders.

A committee, led by a senior officer of at least the rank of Commissioner of Income Tax (CIT), will gather input from taxpayers, tax professionals, and department officers.

The committee will focus on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identifying potential enhancements for the new portal.

It is expected to be formed within a week of the order, with recommendations to be submitted by November 30, 2024.

The transition to Project IEC 3.0 is expected to bring several benefits for taxpayers. With enhanced technology and infrastructure, grievances related to e-filing are likely to decrease significantly.

The platform's user-friendly design is anticipated to encourage more taxpayers to file electronically, potentially boosting compliance. Further, faster processing times could result in quicker refunds for taxpayers compared to the previous system.