Paytm has partnered with ClearTax to offer income tax return filing starting at ₹11 through its app, marking a significant expansion in the fintech company's financial services portfolio. The partnership aims to simplify tax filing by combining automated data imports, prefilled tax details, and post-filing assistance in a single platform. The offering is available exclusively through the Paytm app and is positioned as a low-cost option for taxpayers who would otherwise pay significantly more for assisted filing services. While the entry-level pricing may attract first-time filers and salaried individuals with straightforward tax situations, experts emphasize that taxpayers should still verify their return carefully before submitting it.
The alternative platforms provide various features including automated tax data fetching, pre-filled data, and one-click import of trade information from multiple brokers. Paytm's ₹11 service includes automated tax data fetching and pre-filled data using records available with the Income Tax Department, while ClearTax's filing engine automatically selects the relevant ITR form and tax regime. For investors, the platform allows one-click import of trading data from more than 80 stockbrokers, with capital gains calculated automatically, reducing the need for manual data entry. Additional features include complimentary notice protection - if a taxpayer receives an income tax notice after filing, ClearTax will help interpret the notice, prepare the response and assist until the issue is resolved. The service is available under the "Free Tools" section of the Paytm app.
According to official data reported by Mint, more than 4.3 crore ITRs have been filed and nearly 4.1 crore returns were verified for assessment year 2026-27. The tax department's dedicated e-filing portal remains the official platform for all taxpayers, allowing login using PAN details, selection of applicable ITR forms, verification of income and deduction details, and completion of e-verification after submission. The portal provides access to pre-filled information based on available records including Form 16, Annual Information Statement (AIS), and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS).
As reported by Mint, taxpayers can select appropriate ITR forms based on their taxpayer status through the e-filing portal's 'Help me decide' feature. The available forms include ITR-1 for individuals with salary income, two house properties, and other sources (total income should not exceed ₹50 lakh), ITR-2 for individuals or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) without business income, ITR-3 for individuals or HUF with business or professional income, and ITR-4 for presumptive business income (total income should not exceed ₹50 lakh). The deadline for filing ITR for assessment year 2026-27 is 31 July 2026.
