Introduction
E-filing of incomе tax return is a convеniеnt and hasslе-frее way of complying with your tax obligations. Howеvеr, it also involvеs sharing your personal and financial information onlinе, which can еxposе you to various cybеr risks. Thеrеforе, it is essential to takе somе sеcurity mеasurеs whilе е-filing your incomе tax rеturns to protеct your data and idеntity from hackеrs, phishing scams, and malwarе attacks. In this article, we will discuss some of thе sеcurity mеasurеs that you nееd to kееp in mind whilе е-filing your incomе tax rеturns
Factors to keep in Mind while E-filing Income Tax Returns
Here are a few things to keep in mind for security measures while filing ITR:
- Update Your Software and Operating System
It is critical to keep your computer’s software and operating system up to date to preserve security. Update your operating system, web browser, and antivirus software regularly to guarantee you have the most up-to-date security updates and protection against any vulnerabilities. These upgrades often feature critical security changes that may help protect your data. Further, this can help you in smooth e-filing of itr.
- Select Strong and Unique Passwords
Your first line of protection against unwanted access is a strong password. Create a unique and complicated password that incorporates uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and special characters for e-filing your income tax returns. Readily guessable passwords, such as your birthday or consecutive numbers, should be avoided. Furthermore, to prevent a single hack from affecting many accounts, use different passwords for each online site you use.
- Keep All Pertinent Documents
Form 16, evidence of investment for deductions, rent receipts, TDS data, house loan interest certificates, and other documents must be kept carefully when completing tax returns. It is also critical to save documentation of IT return filings for future reference. Many assessees discard such records once the IT return filing procedure is completed. These are essential records that the IT department may need in the future. Therefore you must keep all these documents handy to fill out the ITR on time and avoid the penalties for late filing of the ITR.
- Credit Verification in Form 26AS
Because ITRs are now connected to Form 26AS, one may find pre-filled information for Form 26AS in the ITRs. To be safe, cross-check the data on Form 26AS with the ITRs. Assessors must thoroughly examine the credits as per Form 26AS to guarantee the error-free submission of income tax returns.
- Have a Secure Internet Connection
Having a secure internet connection is critical while e-filing your income tax forms. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks or unprotected connections since they might expose your data to interception. Choose a reliable and private network connection to reduce the danger of illegal access, ideally at your home or business.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding two-factor authentication to your e-filing procedure gives an additional degree of protection. Enable 2FA once it is available for your e-filing platform. In addition to your password, this security feature often asks you to give a second form of verification, such as a unique code texted to your mobile device. Even if someone obtains your password, 2FA dramatically minimizes the danger of unwanted access.
- Utilize Safe and Up-to-Date E-filing Platforms
When e-filing of incomе tax return, utilize safe and up-to-date e-filing platforms provided by the approved intermediaries. These sites use encryption and other security measures to secure your data during transmission and storage. Check whether the website you’re visiting has a secure connection (check for “https” in the URL) and employs industry-standard encryption techniques.
- Maintain the Confidentiality of Your Personal Information
Maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information is critical for the security of your e-filed income tax returns. Sharing your login credentials, PAN (Permanent Account Number), or other personal information with anybody, even family members or friends, is not a good idea. Be wary of social engineering scams in which fraudsters seek to get personal information via manipulation or imitation.
- Securely Store Your Documents
After electronically submitting your income tax returns, securely keep any physical or digital documents relating to your taxes. Keep any physical copies of papers in a secured cabinet or drawer. Ensure you have safe backups of digital data saved on encrypted devices or in the cloud.
Final Thoughts
Many people find the e-filing process of incomе tax rеturns a nightmare. Apart from penalties and interest costs, there may be additional long-term ramifications of failing to file IT returns or submitting them late. As a result, there is no way around this chore since every taxpayer in the nation is required to complete IT returns. The guidelines provided above are beneficial to people who are submitting their first IT taxes. However, if you face any confusion, you can always look for the help of an online tax consultant to file your tax properly
