Income Tax Department Introduces ‘Response Viewed’ Feature in e-Filing Portal

In a move welcomed by taxpayers and professionals alike, the Income Tax Department has rolled out a significant update to its e-filing portal, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability under the faceless assessment and appeal mechanism.

The new feature allows taxpayers to see exactly when their submissions have been reviewed by the concerned authorities — whether by the Assessing Officer (AO) or the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) [CIT(A)].

Key Highlight of the Update

The latest addition to the portal introduces a simple yet powerful indicator:

“Response viewed by AO on: [Date]”

This message confirms the date and time when the officer accessed the taxpayer’s reply or submission. This transparency eliminates ambiguity about whether documents have been opened or reviewed, which was a long-standing concern for many taxpayers during faceless proceedings.

Enhancing Trust and Efficiency in the Faceless Regime

Since the introduction of the faceless assessment and appeal system, the Income Tax Department has been progressively refining its digital infrastructure to make tax administration smoother and more transparent.

Until now, taxpayers often had to assume whether their responses had been received or viewed by the authorities. With this update, they now have concrete proof of acknowledgment — a move that builds confidence in the system and helps ensure fair and timely proceedings.

Tax experts have lauded the initiative, noting that it will reduce unnecessary follow-ups and improve communication between taxpayers and the department within the digital framework.

A Step Towards Transparent Governance

The faceless regime, introduced to curb human interface and improve efficiency, relies heavily on digital exchange of information. By introducing the “Response Viewed” tracker, the department has taken another step toward greater transparency, accountability, and taxpayer trust.

This development also aligns with the government’s broader goal of “Ease of Compliance”, providing taxpayers with better visibility and assurance regarding the progress of their cases.

Conclusion

The new feature marks an important milestone in the evolution of India’s faceless tax administration. By allowing taxpayers to know exactly when their responses are accessed by tax officials, the Income Tax Department reinforces its commitment to a fair, transparent, and digitally empowered compliance ecosystem.

In short:
Taxpayers can now track their case progress in real time — a welcome upgrade that turns uncertainty into clarity in India’s faceless assessment system.