In a major digital push to transform tax administration, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially launched ‘Kar Saathi’, an AI-powered virtual assistant. Launched on April 2, 2026, this innovative platform is designed to guide taxpayers through the complexities of the new Income-tax Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 1.
Key Highlights
- 24/7 Assistance: ‘Kar Saathi’ provides round-the-clock support for tax-related queries.
- One-Stop Portal: The revamped income tax website now hosts all resources, forms, and guidance in one place.
- Simplified Compliance: The initiative is part of the ‘PRARAMBH’ campaign, aimed at making the transition to the new tax law seamless.
- Reduced Complexity: Tax rules have been cut down from 510 to 333, and forms from 399 to 190 to ease the burden on citizens.
What is Kar Saathi and How Does It Help?
’Kar Saathi’ is more than just a chatbot; it is an intelligent digital companion integrated into the official Income Tax portal. As India transitions to a more modern tax framework, many taxpayers face confusion regarding new rules and updated forms.
How it helps taxpayers:
- Step-by-Step Guidance: It helps users choose the correct ITR form and explains the filing process.
- Real-Time Query Resolution: Instead of waiting for official responses, taxpayers can get instant answers to common questions about deductions, exemptions, and e-verification.
- Multilingual Support: To ensure inclusivity, the department is rolling out educational material and assistant features in multiple Indian languages.
The ‘PRARAMBH’ Initiative
The launch of Kar Saathi is a core component of the PRARAMBH outreach program. According to CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal, this initiative embodies the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (The Citizen is God), focusing on transparency, responsiveness, and making the tax department more user-friendly.
Tips
- Explore Before Filing: Before reaching out to a consultant, try asking ‘Kar Saathi’ about your specific ITR form—it might save you time and money.
- Update Your Profile: Ensure your profile on the new portal is updated to get the most accurate and personalized guidance from the AI assistant.
- Check FAQs: Use the library of over 2,200 FAQs available on the portal for detailed technical clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Is ‘Kar Saathi’ available in languages other than English?
Answer: Yes, the CBDT is providing educational materials and guidance in 10 regional languages alongside English and Hindi to help taxpayers across India.
Question: Do I need to pay any fees to use the Kar Saathi AI assistant?
Answer: No, ‘Kar Saathi’ is a free service provided by the Income Tax Department through its official e-filing website.
Question: Can Kar Saathi help me decide between the old and new tax regimes?
Answer: Yes, the AI assistant is designed to provide contextual information to help you understand the implications of both regimes under the new Income-tax Act, 2025
