Income Tax Return 2026: With the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) approaching, taxpayers are being advised not to wait until the last minute. To simplify the filing process, fintech platforms PhonePe and JioFinance have introduced in-app tax filing services in partnership with TaxBuddy, allowing users to file their returns without leaving the app.

The new service offers both Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and expert-assisted filing options, with self-filing plans starting at ₹24.

Fintech Apps Expand Tax Filing Services

PhonePe and JioFinance have expanded their financial services portfolio by integrating income tax filing solutions into their mobile applications.

The tax filing services are powered by TaxBuddy, a registered e-Return Intermediary (ERI) authorized to facilitate tax return filing. Through this integration, users can prepare and submit their Income Tax Returns directly within the fintech apps without visiting a separate tax portal.

The initiative aims to make tax compliance more convenient for salaried individuals as well as taxpayers with more complex financial profiles.

DIY and Expert-Assisted Filing Options Available

Both platforms offer two categories of tax filing services:

Self-Filing (DIY)

Users who are comfortable filing their own returns can choose the DIY option, with plans starting from ₹24.

Expert-Assisted Filing

Taxpayers requiring professional guidance can opt for expert-assisted plans, where tax professionals help prepare and file the return based on the individual's financial information.

This option is particularly useful for individuals with multiple income sources or more complex tax situations.

Suitable for Different Types of Taxpayers

The new tax filing service supports a wide range of taxpayer categories, including:

• Salaried employees

• Individuals with business income

• Capital gains taxpayers

• Investors involved in Futures & Options (F&O)

• Cryptocurrency investors

• Individuals with foreign income

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

The broader coverage allows users with varying financial profiles to access filing assistance through a single platform.

Features Available Within the App

According to JioFinance, the integrated tax filing module includes several features designed to simplify return filing.

These include:

• Automated retrieval of tax data from the Income Tax Department's portal

• Tax planning tools

• Comparison between old and new tax regimes

• Deduction estimation

• Refund tracking

• Guided filing workflow

The company stated that taxpayer information is processed through TaxBuddy's regulated framework and is used solely for tax filing purposes.

PhonePe has also highlighted that, in addition to ITR filing, its platform offers support for managing monthly GST compliance through the app.

Pricing Structure

The self-filing plans are available at affordable rates depending on the complexity of the return.

Indicative pricing includes:

Taxpayer Category Starting Price

Self-filing for salaried individuals	₹24
Self-filing (higher complexity returns)	Up to ₹499
Capital gains, F&O and cryptocurrency returns	From ₹99
Expert-assisted filing (salaried taxpayers)	From ₹649
Business income and NRI returns	Up to ₹2,924

Actual pricing may vary depending on the nature of income and the services selected.

Why Filing Before the Deadline Matters

The due date for filing Income Tax Returns is approaching, and delaying the process may lead to unnecessary complications.

Filing your return on time can help you:

• Avoid late filing fees, where applicable

• Ensure faster processing of refunds

• Maintain tax compliance

• Simplify future loan and visa applications

• Reduce the risk of last-minute technical issues on the e-filing portal

Tax professionals generally recommend completing the filing process well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final few days.

A Convenient Option for Digital Tax Filing

With tax filing now integrated into popular fintech applications, taxpayers have additional options beyond the official Income Tax Department portal. Whether choosing the low-cost DIY route or seeking professional assistance, these services aim to make the filing process faster and more accessible through familiar mobile platforms.

Disclaimer

The pricing and features mentioned in this article are based on information announced by the respective fintech platforms at the time of writing. Service charges, plan availability, and filing features may change over time. Taxpayers should review the latest terms and verify eligibility before using any third-party tax filing service.