Income Tax Department Expands E-Pay Tax Services to 30 Banks

IDFC First Bank and Tamilnad Merchantile Bank Now Included for Seamless ITR Payments

New Delhi – The Income Tax Department of India has announced an expansion of its e-Pay Tax service, adding two more banks to the list of authorized institutions that facilitate income tax return (ITR) payments through the e-filing portal. The addition of IDFC First Bank and Tamilnad Merchantile Bank brings the total number of participating banks to 30, enhancing convenience and accessibility for taxpayers.

The move is part of the government’s ongoing effort to streamline the tax payment process, making it simpler, faster, and more efficient. The Income Tax e-filing portal now offers a broader range of banking options, ensuring that taxpayers across different financial institutions can fulfill their tax obligations online without unnecessary hurdles.

Highlights of the Expanded E-Pay Tax Service

• Two New Banks Added:
  • IDFC First Bank (Added on November 27, 2024)
  • Tamilnad Merchantile Bank (Added on March 5, 2025)
• Total Number of Authorized Banks: 30
• E-Pay Tax Services Enable Digital Payment for:
  • Advance Tax
  • Self-Assessment Tax
  • Regular Assessment Tax
  • TDS/TCS Payments
  • Demand Payments

Comprehensive List of 30 Banks Now Available for E-Pay Tax Services

The following banks are now authorized to process income tax payments through the official e-filing portal:

1. HDFC Bank
2. ICICI Bank
3. State Bank of India (SBI)
4. Axis Bank
5. Kotak Mahindra Bank
6. Bandhan Bank
7. Bank of Baroda
8. Central Bank of India
9. DCB Bank
10. Federal Bank
11. IDBI Bank
12. IndusInd Bank
13. Indian Overseas Bank
14. Indian Bank
15. Karnataka Bank
16. Jammu & Kashmir Bank
17. Karur Vysya Bank
18. Punjab & Sind Bank
19. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
20. Union Bank of India
21. South Indian Bank
22. RBL Bank
23. UCO Bank
24. Bank of Maharashtra
25. Canara Bank
26. City Union Bank
27. Dhanlaxmi Bank
28. Bank of India
29. IDFC First Bank
30. Tamilnad Merchantile Bank

Understanding the E-Pay Tax Service on the E-Filing Portal

The E-Pay Tax service is a digital tax payment system that allows taxpayers to fulfill their tax obligations electronically via the income tax department’s e-filing portal. This initiative eliminates the need for physical visits to banks and provides a secure, hassle-free method for paying taxes.

Taxpayers can use this service to pay:

• Advance Tax – Paid before the financial year ends in quarterly installments.
• Self-Assessment Tax – The tax amount a taxpayer calculates and pays before filing the ITR.
• Regular Assessment Tax – The tax due after the income tax department assesses the ITR.
• TDS/TCS Payments – Tax deducted at source (TDS) and tax collected at source (TCS) payments made by businesses and individuals.
• Demand Payments – Tax dues as per IT department notices.

Benefits of E-Pay Tax Services

• Convenience – Online payments eliminate the need for in-person banking visits.
• Faster Processing – Transactions are instantly processed and confirmed via digital banking.
• Secure Transactions – Payments are handled through authorized banking channels, ensuring security.
• Availability of Multiple Banks – With 30 banks now onboard, taxpayers can select their preferred institution.

What If Your Bank Is Not on the List?

For taxpayers whose banks are not part of the authorized list, the Income Tax Department has provided alternative payment options:

• NEFT/RTGS: Taxpayers can transfer funds via National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) or Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) using any bank.
• Payment Gateway on E-Pay Tax Service: The portal offers an online payment gateway for tax settlements via debit/credit cards, UPI, or net banking from non-listed banks.

These options ensure that every taxpayer has access to digital tax payment methods, regardless of their banking institution.

When Will ITR Filing Begin for Assessment Year 2025-26?

• Start Date for ITR Filing: April 1, 2025
• Deadline for Non-Audit Cases: July 31, 2025
• Notification for Online Forms: The Income Tax Department will issue an official announcement once offline utilities and online ITR forms are made available on the e-filing portal.

Taxpayers are advised to check the official income tax website regularly for updates regarding the ITR filing process for Assessment Year 2025-26.

Enhancing Digital Tax Payments for Greater Efficiency

The Income Tax Department’s decision to expand the E-Pay Tax service to 30 banks reflects its commitment to enhancing taxpayer convenience. The addition of IDFC First Bank and Tamilnad Merchantile Bank will further simplify tax compliance, making digital payments more accessible to a larger number of taxpayers.

By eliminating the need for physical tax payments, the government aims to strengthen digital financial infrastructure, ensuring that taxpayers can pay their dues seamlessly, securely, and efficiently.

For the latest updates on ITR filing, e-Pay Tax services, and tax payment guidelines, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.