How to Complain in Income Tax Department: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide -

Many taxpayers in India face problems related to income tax at some point. These problems may include receiving a wrong income tax notice, delay in refund, incorrect tax demand, PAN issues, or technical errors on the income tax portal. If you are also facing such issues, the good news is that the Income Tax Department provides proper channels to file a complaint or grievance.

In this article, we will explain how to complain in the Income Tax Department, the available methods, and important tips to get faster resolution.

Why You May Need to File a Complaint

There are several common situations where taxpayers feel the need to approach the Income Tax Department:

Income tax refund is delayed
Wrong tax demand shown on portal
Incorrect notice received
PAN correction not processed
ITR filed but status not updated
Technical issues on e-filing portal
Harassment or improper behavior by officials

For all such problems, the department has created a grievance redressal system.

also read: https://gstandtax.com/why-income-tax-notices-are-increasing/

Online Complaint Through Income Tax Portal (Best Method)

The Income Tax e-filing portal is the most reliable and recommended way to file a complaint.

Steps to File Grievance Online:

Visit www.incometax.gov.in
Login using your PAN, password, and OTP
Go to Grievances
Click on Submit Grievance
Select the relevant:
- Grievance category
- Assessment year
- Issue type
Write your complaint clearly and briefly
Upload supporting documents, if any
Submit the grievance

After submission, you will receive a Grievance ID, which can be used to track the status.

also read: https://gstandtax.com/silver-price-hits-record-high-why-silver-is-breaking-all-time-records-in-2025/

How to Track Income Tax Complaint Status

To check your grievance status:

Login to the Income Tax Portal
Go to Grievances
Click View Grievance Status
Enter your grievance reference number

Usually, the department responds within 15 to 30 days.

Complaint Through CPGRAMS Portal

If your complaint is not resolved on the Income Tax portal, you can escalate it through CPGRAMS (Central Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System).

Steps:

Visit pgportal.gov.in
Register or login
Choose:
- Ministry: Ministry of Finance
- Department: Income Tax Department
Enter complaint details
Submit

This portal is useful for serious or long-pending issues.

Email Complaint to Income Tax Department

For specific problems, you can also email the concerned department.

Some useful email IDs:

refunds@incometax.gov.in – Refund related issues
cpc@incometax.gov.in – CPC Bangalore matters
efilingwebmanager@incometax.gov.in – Portal technical issues

While sending email, always mention:

PAN
Assessment year
Registered mobile number
Clear explanation of the issue

Complaint to Assessing Officer (AO)

If the issue relates to assessment, demand notice, or scrutiny, you may directly approach your Assessing Officer (AO).

You can find AO details on the Income Tax Portal under Profile → Jurisdiction Details.

A written application or online grievance addressed to AO often helps resolve assessment-related matters faster.

Income Tax Ombudsman (Last Option)

If your grievance remains unresolved for a long time or involves harassment, you can approach the Income Tax Ombudsman.

This option is used for:

Continuous delay in refund
Unfair treatment
Misconduct by officials

Ombudsman complaints can be filed online or by post.

Sample Income Tax Complaint / Grievance

Subject: Complaint Regarding Incorrect Income Tax Demand / Refund Issue – AY 2023-24

To,
The Income Tax Department
Government of India

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], PAN [ABCDE1234F], would like to submit a grievance regarding an issue reflected in my income tax records for Assessment Year [2023-24].

I have filed my Income Tax Return within the due date and completed all required compliances. However, [clearly mention the issue – e.g., an incorrect tax demand has been raised / my refund is delayed / an incorrect notice has been issued].

Despite checking my return details and supporting documents, the issue still persists on the income tax portal. I believe this may be due to a technical or processing error. I request your kind office to kindly review my case and resolve the matter at the earliest.

The details of my case are as follows:

Name: [Your Name]
PAN: [Your PAN]
Assessment Year: [AY]
Mobile Number: [Registered Mobile Number]
Email ID: [Registered Email]
ITR Acknowledgement Number: [If available]

I have attached relevant documents for your reference. I shall be highly thankful for your support and cooperation in resolving this issue.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Place: [City]

Tips to Get Faster Resolution

Always file complaints online first
Use simple and polite language
Attach supporting documents
Avoid emotional or aggressive wording
Keep checking grievance status
Escalate only if required

Conclusion

Filing a complaint with the Income Tax Department is not difficult if you follow the correct process. The online grievance system is transparent and effective for most issues. Whether it is a refund delay, wrong notice, or technical problem, taxpayers have full rights to seek resolution.

If your problem is genuine and properly explained, the Income Tax Department usually responds within a reasonable time. Always keep records and follow up regularly.

How to Complain in Income Tax Department: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide