A section of the media has reported that e-filing of income tax returns had turned risky as the security certification of the Income Tax department's Internet portal had lapsed on 8th May 2010.

In this regard, it has been clarified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) that the process for renewal of the security certificate of the department's e-filing portal was initiated well in time before it lapsed on 8th May 2010. Pending completion of certification procedure, the e-filing facility for AY 2010-11 has been temporarily suspended. This will not affect taxpayers in any way, as the earliest income tax return for AY 2010-11 falls due on 31st July 2010. The facility is expected to be renewed very shortly.

It is also clarified that the e-filing portal of the Income Tax department remains fully secure and lapse of the security certificate does not mean that its security features are slackened or compromised.

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DSM/BY/KP-163/10 

Security certificate lapse: e-filing temporarily suspended while renewal proceeds for upcoming assessment year returns and taxpayers unaffected. The Central Board of Direct Taxes initiated renewal of the security certificate before its expiry; pending completion of certification the e-filing facility for the upcoming assessment year has been temporarily suspended. The department states the suspension is administrative, the portal's security features remain intact despite the certificate lapse, the service is expected to be renewed shortly, and taxpayer filing timelines will not be adversely affected.