How to choose an online tax filing and compliance service in India

The right online filing service depends on what you need done and how much you want to do yourself. Here are the questions to ask, followed by a neutral look at some well-known services.

What kinds of online filing services exist?

• Do-it-yourself software: you enter the data and file; the software guides you
• Assisted services: a qualified professional prepares and files for you
• Marketplaces: a platform connects you with independent professionals
• A local professional: you deal directly with one person or firm

None of these is better for everyone. A salaried employee with one Form 16 may be happy with software, while a company with annual filings, GST and TDS usually wants someone accountable for the whole calendar.

Which eight questions should I ask?

1. Who does the work? Ask whether a qualified professional prepares and reviews it, and whether that person is named.
2. What exactly is included? Check whether the fee covers the filing only, or also notices, corrections and follow-up.
3. What is the price and what changes it? Look for a clear quote and for what could add to it, such as government fees or extra documents.
4. How do I share documents? Prefer a secure upload over email or messaging apps.
5. Can I see progress? You should be able to see the status of your request without asking for it.
6. How do I talk to the person doing the work? A written thread with your documents attached beats scattered calls.
7. What happens if something goes wrong? Ask how mistakes, rejections and notices are handled.
8. How is my data handled? Ask about virus-scanned uploads, access control and who can see your documents.

How do some well-known services compare?

The notes below come from each service's public description and may be out of date. Check each service's own site for current offerings and prices.

• Zenith Filings: you raise a request for a specific service such as GST registration, income tax return filing or company registration, answer a guided form, upload your documents and follow the work online. Our Experts are verified before they take work, uploads are scanned, and you talk to the team in one thread on each request. Prices are shown on the service page or quoted for your request.
• ClearTax: known for software and services for income tax return filing, GST and TDS, including tools used by professionals and businesses.
• Zolvit (formerly Vakilsearch): a legal and compliance services provider that covers registrations such as company incorporation and GST registration and filing.
• IndiaFilings: an online platform for company registration, trademark filing, GST and tax compliance services.

We list Zenith Filings first because this is our own site. We have not compared prices or response times across these services, and we do not claim to be better on measures we have not checked.

Which one should I pick?

Match the service to the job. For a one-off return, a self-service tool may be enough. For registrations and recurring filings, ask the eight questions above and compare the answers. Whichever you choose, keep your own copies of what you submit and the acknowledgements you receive.

How do I start with Zenith Filings?

Browse the services, pick the one you need and raise a request. If you are not sure which service fits, our compliance calendar and guides on GST registration and income tax return filing are a good place to start.

This article is general information, not individual professional advice. Services, features and prices of every provider change, so confirm them on the provider's own site.