The Income Tax, 2025 came into force from 1^st April 2026. Consequently, among other changes in various statutory provisions, there are changes in many Income Tax Forms relating to Quarterly TDS/TCS Forms, Audit Reports, PAN/TAN Applications, Foreign Remittances, Provisional/Approval of Registration of NPOs, etc. In this connection, to create awareness and sensitise the taxpayers and stakeholders of the new provisions, new Forms, etc. “PRARAMBH 2026, CHENNAI”, a Mega Outreach program on the Income Tax Act, 2025 has been conducted by the Office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Region on 12th of May 2026 at Income Tax Office, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

 

   Shri. Arun C. Bharat, Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Chennai delivered the welcome address. The Chief Guest Shri. Sunil Bajpai, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, Chennai presided over the event and delivered the keynote address. A large number of stakeholders including taxpayers, deductors and members of CII, FICCI, CREDAI, SIRC-ICAI and various Trade associations have attended the program.

  

    During the event, highlights of the Income Tax Act, 2025 has been presented through a power point presentation and Kar Setu – Set of FAQs on various chapters & ‘Kar Saathi’ Chatbot were also demonstrated. In the highlights of the Income Tax Act, 2025 it was presented that the total word count has reduced from 5.12 lakh in the old Act to 2.6 lakh words in the new Act; and among many other simplifications the concept of Tax Year has been introduced, which eliminate the existing usage of the terminologies of Previous Year and Assessment Year. The overall approach of the Income Tax, 2025 is the simplification of the law, usage of tables and formulas for ease of readability, simplified referencing method, replacement of tough legal jargons, etc.

     In order to create nationwide awareness on the Income Tax Act, 2025 a comprehensive set of outreach and educational materials have been developed by the Department to enhance awareness among taxpayers and stakeholders. Further, as a ready reckoner to the taxpayers w.r.t the basic queries on the Income Tax Act, 2025 like the forms to be used for various matters like PAN application, TDS statements, etc; the ITR to be used in the coming months to file the tax returns; the sections and chalans under which the advance tax and other taxes are to be paid, etc., it was informed that the Department has provided substantial and effective resource material. These materials include:

1. Kar Saathi:

This is an AI-powered chatbot to assist taxpayers with filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2026-27. It is integrated into the official website of the Income Tax Department, to provide 24/7, real-time guidance on the new Income Tax Act, 2025. The purpose of this is to guide the taxpayers on queries about tax notices, refunds, ITR type to be filed and help taxpayers with basic queries relating to Income Tax. It provides step-by-step guidance, explains complex tax terms, and flags potential errors to reduce mistakes in tax filings.

2. Kar Setu:

This is an initiative designed to help stakeholders, taxpayers, professionals, and officials navigate the shift from the Income-tax Act, 1961, to the Income-tax Act, 2025, as a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This document consists of various chapters like Tax Payments, Collection and Refunds; Furnishing of Income Tax Returns, TDS compliance, etc. This can be accessed at the official website of the Income Tax Department.

https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/documents/20117/43120/Updated-FQAs-on-Interplay%26Transitions.pdf/dda21cfd-28be-d931-ad5c-6459ecbd2ea7?version=2.0&t=1775128133037

• III. Madhukar Comic Book:

This is introduced for general public and school children in particular for easy understanding of the Act. This comic use storytelling to explain complex topics like nation-building and tax literacy. This can be accessed at the official website of the Income Tax Department at https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/comic-books

• IV. Brochures:

Brochures on salient features of the New Income Tax Act, 2025 and the revised Forms detailing the transition made to the new Income Tax Rules, 2026 are prepared for better understanding of various forms. These can be accessed at official website of the Income Tax Department, at https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/pamphlets

 

A digital kiosk giving a demonstration and experience of Kar Sathi chatbot was also provided for the participants of the Mega Outreach program.

 

       Further, to create awareness among the taxpayers and stakeholders in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, physical outreach programs will be conducted by Principal Commissioners of Income Tax (Jurisdictional) and Commissioner of Income Tax (TDS) across the state of Tamil Nadu are to commence as per the following schedule:

 

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TV/SH

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