New Delhi: The official Income Tax Return (ITR) e-filing portal is once again under public scrutiny, this time not for technical glitches but for its controversial interface design. Social media users criticised the portal after noticing an inappropriate artwork displayed on the “Session Expired” page.
The artwork features a human-like figure lying flat beside a melted candle, which many interpreted as resembling a lifeless body with a garland. Intended to signify inactivity timeout, the image was seen by many as distasteful and insensitive.
One user on X wrote, “WTF is this art used by Income Tax? Dead body for session expired? This is so distasteful.” Another posted a meme featuring a dancing figure with the caption “Ghoomar Ghoomar,” mocking the portal by saying, “Forget your returns, enjoy our free Ghoomar dance show instead. Every time ‘Session Expired’ pops up, it feels like I’m filing patience returns, not income tax.”
Portal plagued with criticism since launch
This is not the first time the ITR e-filing portal, developed by Infosys, has drawn criticism. Since its launch, it has faced repeated complaints of login failures, technical glitches, and slow performance, especially during peak filing seasons.
The latest backlash, however, focuses not on functionality but on the user experience and artwork design, sparking a debate on the professionalism and tone of government digital platforms.
Deadline extended at the last moment
Amid mounting criticism and complaints of website downtime, the Income Tax Department extended the filing deadline by one day, from September 15 to September 16, 2025.
In a late-night announcement on X, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said:
“The due date for filing these ITRs for AY 2025–26 has been extended from 15th September 2025 to 16th September 2025.”
The department also announced that the portal would undergo maintenance from 12:00 am to 2:30 am on September 16 to implement changes in utilities.
Penalties for missing the deadline
Taxpayers who fail to file their ITRs by the extended deadline still have an option to file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, this comes with late fees ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000, along with the forfeiture of certain benefits available to timely filers.
Conclusion
While the deadline extension provides short-term relief for taxpayers struggling with portal issues, the controversy over the “Session Expired” artwork highlights broader concerns about design sensitivity, user experience, and accountability in digital governance platforms. For many, it is a reminder that beyond functionality, government portals must also maintain a tone of professionalism and respect for the citizens who use them.