New Delhi: In a major development the Income Tax Department has provided relief to taxpayers who were unable to file their returns on time due to an emergency. The department has activated the Condonation of Delay option on the e-filing portal. If the application is approved the taxpayer will not be required to pay any penalty. People often fail to file their returns on time due to reasons such as hospitalization a death in the family or other serious circumstances. To provide relief in such cases the department has launched this portal. Through it taxpayers can appeal for condonation of delay. If the department accepts the request the taxpayer will not have to pay additional tax penalty or interest. How to Apply: Log in to the department’s website (https://eportal.incometax.gov.in) On the dashboard go to the ‘Services’ option and click on the ‘Condonation Request’ link. Then select ‘Application for Statutory Forms’. Finally click on the ‘Create Condonation Request’ button to complete the process. It is important to note that the number of people filing ITRs is steadily increasing as the final date is approaching. As per the information shared by the Income Tax Department through its official X (formerly Twitter) account details have been provided on how many ITRs have been filed so far. In its post the department has also mentioned that the helpdesk is working 24x7 to assist taxpayers in filing their returns. Here are some of the key details: The last date to file the Income Tax Returns (ITR) is September 15. The Income Tax Department has provided relief to taxpayers who were unable to file their returns on time due to an emergency The department informed that more than 6 crore ITRs have already been filed and the number is steadily increasing. To assist taxpayers the department’s helpdesk is operating 24x7 providing support through calls live chat WebEx sessions and X The Income Tax Department has requested all those who have not yet filed their ITR to avoid last minute rush and complete the process as early as possible. The department informed that more than 6 crore ITRs have already been filed and the number is steadily increasing. To assist taxpayers the department’s helpdesk is operating 24x7 providing support through calls live chat WebEx sessions and X (formerly Twitter).