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How to register on the income tax portal

The income tax e-filing portal is where you file returns, check refunds, pay tax and respond to notices — and registering takes only a few minutes. Here's how to register and what it lets you do.

Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13

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  1. 1. Your PAN is your user ID
  2. 2. Register with your details
  3. 3. Verify with OTP
  4. 4. What you can do once registered
  5. 5. Keep your contact details current
  6. Common questions

Quick answer

You need your PAN to register on the income tax e-filing portal. Here's the step-by-step and what you can do once registered.

1. Your PAN is your user ID

On the income tax e-filing portal, your PAN serves as your user ID. So before registering, make sure your PAN is active and linked with your Aadhaar, as an inoperative PAN can block registration and filing.

2. Register with your details

Use the 'Register' option on the portal, enter your PAN, and provide your basic details — name, date of birth, contact number and email — matching your PAN records. The portal validates these against the PAN database, so they must match exactly.

3. Verify with OTP

You'll verify your mobile number and email through one-time passwords, and set a password for your account. Use a number and email you'll keep access to, since they're used for OTPs, alerts and notices.

4. What you can do once registered

Once registered, you can file your return, e-verify it, check your refund status, view your AIS and 26AS, pay advance or self-assessment tax, respond to notices, and link PAN with Aadhaar — all from one login.

5. Keep your contact details current

Keep your registered mobile and email up to date, because important communications and OTPs go there. If you change your number, update it on the portal so you don't miss notices or get locked out at filing time.

Common questions

1What do I need to register on the income tax portal?

Your PAN (which serves as your user ID), plus basic details matching your PAN records and a mobile number and email for OTP verification. Your PAN should be active and linked with Aadhaar.

2Is my PAN my login for the income tax portal?

Yes — your PAN is your user ID on the e-filing portal. An inoperative or unlinked PAN can block registration and filing, so ensure it's active and Aadhaar-linked first.

3What can I do on the income tax portal?

File and e-verify returns, check refund status, view AIS and 26AS, pay tax, respond to notices and link PAN-Aadhaar — all from one login once registered.

Need help getting set up to file? Write to the firm and we'll guide you through registration and your first return.