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.

Press Release No. DSM/BY/KP-163/10

Dated 17-5-2010

E filing portal security: temporary suspension pending certificate renewal; filing timelines unaffected and portal security remains intact. The Central Board of Direct Taxes confirms the security certificate renewal for the income tax e-filing portal was initiated before lapse and that, pending completion of certification, e-filing access for the relevant assessment year is temporarily suspended; this administrative suspension is time-limited, expected to be lifted shortly, will not affect taxpayer filing timelines, and does not indicate any compromise of the portal's security features.