Easy Way to Raise and Monitor Tax Grievances on TRACES

The TRACES website is an invaluable resource for taxpayers and deductees who want to address their concerns and complaints regarding taxation. By utilizing the "Request for Resolution" module on the TRACES website, users can conveniently raise and track their grievances. In this article, we will guide you through the process of submitting and monitoring tax-related complaints on the TRACES website, ensuring that you can navigate the platform effectively and resolve any issues you may encounter.

How to File Grievances on the TRACES Website for Deductees/Taxpayers?

To raise online grievances, the TRACES website provides the "Request for Resolution" option, which has been available since the assessment year 2013-14. This online module allows taxpayers and deductees to submit their requests and monitor their progress on the TRACES website.

Before proceeding, there are a few important points to remember:

• Only registered taxpayers can utilize the "Request for Resolution" option.
• A request for resolution can be filed for Part A/I and Part B/V of Form 26AS/Annual Tax Statement (ATS).
• Taxpayers and deductees can raise requests against a single Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) of the deductor/collector in one ticket. However, if there are multiple TANs involved, separate tickets need to be raised for each TAN. It is worth noting that issues pertaining to different TDS statements for a single TAN can be submitted in one ticket.
• When raising a request, it is mandatory to provide comments (up to 1000 characters) or attach supporting documents if required. Supporting documents should be attached in .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, or .zip formats, with a file size limit of 2 MB. Additionally, it is essential to update the latest communication details such as email ID and mobile number in the profile section.

Types of Request for Resolution Available

When raising a request for resolution on the TRACES website, users can select from the following categories:

1. Unable to view Form 26AS/ATS
2. Transaction details missing
3. Transaction details mismatch
4. Transactions not for my PAN
5. TRACES downloaded a TDS certificate not issued

These categories cover a wide range of potential issues that taxpayers and deductees may encounter while dealing with their tax-related matters.

Resolving Assessment Year Issues

Online grievances can be raised by taxpayers and deductees through the "Request for Resolution" option on TRACES starting from the assessment year 2013-14 onwards. This means that if you have any concerns or complaints regarding a particular assessment year, you can utilize the TRACES website to seek resolution.

Now that we have covered the basics, let's dive into the step-by-step process of raising a request for resolution on the TRACES website.

Steps to Raise a Request for Resolution

Follow these steps to raise a request for resolution on the TRACES website:

Step 1: Log in to the TRACES website

Log in to the TRACES website as a taxpayer using your User ID, which is your PAN (Permanent Account Number), and your password. Once logged in, you will be directed to the landing page.

Step 2: Click on the “Request for Resolution” tab

Click on the "Request for Resolution" tab, which can be found on the TRACES website. This tab will lead you to the section where you can raise your request for resolution.

Step 3: Select the suitable category from the dropdown list for which you need to raise a Request for resolution.

Step 4: Choose the relevant Assessment Year

Step 5: Provide details of the deductor and transaction

Fill in the TAN of the deductor and provide the necessary details of the missing/mismatched transactions appearing in Form 26AS, including “Section Code, Amount Paid/Credited, TDS Deducted, Transaction Date,” etc.

Step 6: Briefly describe the issue in the comments box and attach any supporting documents.

Step 7: Submit the request. Upon successful submission, a unique “Ticket number” will be issued

Steps to Track a Request for Resolution

The TRACES website provides options to track the progress of your raised ticket through the "Resolution tracking" feature within the "Request for Resolution" tab. There are two search options available for tracking your request:

Search Option 1: By request number

Enter the request number assigned to your raised ticket to check its status. This option allows you to quickly retrieve information about the progress of your request.

Search Option 2: By ticket status and creation date

Select the appropriate ticket status and ticket creation date to track your request. This option provides a more filtered search based on the status and date, making it easier to find the specific ticket you want to monitor.

Ticket Status after Raising a "Request for Resolution"

After raising a "Request for Resolution" on the TRACES website, your ticket can be assigned different statuses, each indicating a different stage in the resolution process. Here are the possible ticket statuses and their meanings:

1. Open: The ticket is pending with the deductor/Assessing Officer (AO) and awaits further action.
2. In progress: The resolution of the ticket is currently underway, and the concerned department is working on finding a solution.
3. Clarification Requested: The deductor/AO has requested clarification regarding your issue. It is crucial to respond promptly to these requests to ensure the timely resolution of your ticket. Note that tickets with this status will be closed automatically if no clarification is received within 30 calendar days, and the taxpayer cannot reopen them later.
4. Request for Closure: The taxpayer has received the ticket for closure. It is essential to take the necessary action within 30 calendar days; otherwise, the ticket will be automatically closed and cannot be reopened by the taxpayer.
5. Closed: The ticket has been closed either by the deductee/taxpayer or automatically by the system due to no action taken within the given timeframe.
6. Reopened: The deductee/taxpayer has reopened the ticket after its closure, indicating the need for further resolution.

By understanding the different ticket statuses, you can gauge the progress of your request and take appropriate action accordingly.

Conclusion

The TRACES website offers a user-friendly platform for taxpayers and deductees to submit and monitor their tax-related complaints conveniently. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can effectively raise your grievances on the TRACES website and track their progress. Whether you are facing difficulties with Form 26AS or encountering other tax-related issues, TRACES provides a streamlined approach to seek redressal and ensure the prompt resolution of your concerns. Take advantage of this valuable resource to address your tax grievances with ease.