Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday launched ‘PRARAMBH 2026’, a nationwide awareness campaign by the Income Tax Department to educate citizens about the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which will come into effect from April 1, 2026.
Multi-Platform Campaign for Taxpayer Awareness
The campaign will run across:
- Print and television
- Radio and digital platforms
- Social media channels
It aims to simplify the new tax regime through:
- Easy-to-understand communication
- Guidance materials
- Public engagement initiatives
Income Tax Website 2.0 Unveiled
On the occasion, the Finance Minister also launched the Income Tax Website 2.0, designed to offer:
- Improved usability
- Simplified navigation
- Faster and efficient service delivery
The upgrade is part of the government’s broader digital transformation push.
Focus on Simplicity, Trust and Voluntary Compliance
Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman подчеркed the need for a tax system that is empathetic, technology-driven, and trust-based.
She stressed:
- Stability in tax laws
- Avoiding frequent amendments
- Simplification to encourage voluntary compliance
She also noted that both direct and indirect tax systems are being reformed simultaneously for the first time.
Workshops, Multilingual Outreach and AI Support
Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said over 300 workshops will be conducted nationwide under PRARAMBH to raise awareness and gather feedback.
The campaign includes:
- Brochures, FAQs, and tutorial videos
- Content in 10 regional languages, besides Hindi and English
CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal emphasised a citizen-centric approach guided by “Nagrik Devo Bhava”.
AI Chatbot ‘Kar Saathi’ to Assist Taxpayers
As part of the initiative, an AI-enabled chatbot ‘Kar Saathi’ has been launched to help taxpayers with:
- Queries on the new tax Act
- Rules and compliance
- Filing-related guidance
Support will also be available through Aaykar Seva Kendras across the country.
Digital Engagement to Reach Youth and Professionals
The government is also leveraging MyGov platforms and digital tools to connect with citizens, especially youth and professionals, and promote awareness about the new tax framework.
Towards a Citizen-Centric Tax System
The PRARAMBH 2026 campaign marks a significant step towards:
- Simplifying tax compliance
- Enhancing transparency
- Building trust between taxpayers and the administration
