If you’ve tried to log in to the AIS Portal—whether for tax, compliance, or account-related tasks—and it’s suddenly not working, you’re not alone. Many users across India and abroad report login errors, slow loading times, or complete downtime when using the AIS Portal.
This blog gives you a people-first, helpful, and technically accurate guide to understanding why the AIS Portal (Annual Information Statement Portal) may not be working, and how you can fix it quickly.
What is the AIS Portal?
The Annual Information Statement (AIS) Portal is a digital platform provided by the Income Tax Department of India. It lets taxpayers:
- View all financial transactions reported to the tax authorities
- Download tax-related information like TDS, interest, dividends, etc.
- Reconcile income details before filing returns
Since it’s connected to real-time tax databases, downtime or glitches in the portal can cause major inconvenience during filing deadlines.
Common Issues with AIS Portal Not Working
- Website Downtime or Maintenance
- Servers often undergo routine maintenance, especially during tax filing seasons.
- Scheduled downtime may not always be communicated properly.
- High Traffic Load
- Near deadlines (July, September, December), heavy traffic slows down or crashes the system.
- Browser Compatibility Issues
- AIS Portal works best with Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Older versions of Safari or Internet Explorer often cause login failures.
- Login & Authentication Problems
- OTP delays, Aadhaar-PAN linking issues, or session timeouts.
- Poor Internet or VPN Conflicts
- Slow connections and VPNs often trigger “service unavailable” messages.
- Server-Side Errors (502, 503, 504)
- These indicate technical errors from the Income Tax Department’s servers, not from your device.
How to Fix AIS Portal Not Working
Here are practical steps to fix the issue:
1. Check If the Portal is Down
- Visit a website downtime checker like WebsiteAid Downtime Checker.
- If it shows the AIS Portal is down for everyone, wait until the IT Department restores it.
2. Use the Correct Browser
- Use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
- Clear cache & cookies (
Ctrl + Shift + Delete
).
3. Disable VPN & Ad Blockers
- Sometimes VPNs interfere with OTP delivery and portal loading.
- Turn them off while accessing the site.
4. Try Incognito / Private Mode
- Open a new Incognito Window and try logging in.
- This bypasses cached login issues.
5. Check Login Credentials
- Ensure PAN/Aadhaar is linked and correct.
- Make sure registered mobile/email is active to receive OTPs.
6. Try Off-Peak Hours
- Early mornings or late nights often work better when server traffic is lower.
7. Contact Support
- If the issue persists, contact Income Tax Department Helpdesk:
- Email: helpdesk@incometax.gov.in
- Phone: 1800 103 0025 (toll-free)
AIS Portal Not Working on Mobile App?
If you’re using the AIS app:
- Update it from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Check app permissions (SMS for OTP, internet access).
- Restart your device and try again.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Issues
- Always download AIS PDF copies in advance, not just near deadlines.
- Keep your PAN-Aadhaar linked and verified.
- Use official Income Tax site only: https://incometax.gov.in.
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Final Thoughts
The AIS Portal not working is usually a temporary issue caused by server overload, browser compatibility, or login problems. By following the fixes above, you can quickly resolve most errors.
If the problem is server-side, patience is key—check the downtime status and try again later. For deadline-critical cases, always keep downloaded statements handy.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the AIS Portal so slow during tax season?
Because of high traffic load—millions of users log in around deadlines.
Q2. Can I access AIS without the portal?
Yes, AIS can also be downloaded from the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Q3. What if OTP is not received?
Check if your mobile is registered with PAN, network signal, and SMS blocking apps.
Q4. Which browser is best for AIS Portal?
Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are the most stable options.
Q5. How do I report a persistent error?
Contact the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@incometax.gov.in or call 1800 103 0025.