India’s Income Tax e-filing portal has found itself at the center of controversy after users reported seeing a ‘dead body’ illustration while filing their income tax returns. The unusual and disturbing graphic — showing a cartoonish figure covered with a white sheet — appeared in certain sections of the portal, sparking confusion and outrage among taxpayers.
📢 Taxpayers Express Shock on Social Media
As soon as the image surfaced, screenshots began circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many users criticized the choice of imagery, calling it “disturbing,” “insensitive,” and “highly unprofessional.”
One user wrote, “Why would the Income Tax Department use such a morbid image? Filing returns is stressful enough without this.” Another user humorously remarked, “Is this their way of reminding us of the deadline?”
While some saw it as a poorly executed attempt at humor, the majority expressed discomfort, arguing that a government platform dealing with sensitive financial data should maintain a more professional tone.
🏛️ No Official Clarification Yet
As of now, the Income Tax Department has not released an official statement explaining why the image was displayed. It is unclear whether this was a technical glitch, a misplaced asset during portal updates, or part of a misguided design experiment.
The silence has only added to speculation, with many calling for a public clarification and immediate removal of the image.
🎯 Why This Matters for User Experience
The e-filing portal has faced criticism in the past for technical glitches and complex navigation, but this incident highlights a different problem — poor design judgment.
Experts argue that a government website must focus on trust, clarity, and reassurance to make users feel secure when sharing financial data. Even small design elements, such as icons and illustrations, can significantly impact public confidence.
📝 Key Takeaway
This unusual incident serves as a reminder that user experience (UX) matters as much as technical functionality. Millions of taxpayers depend on the ITR portal every year, and their experience should be stress-free and professional — not confusing or alarming.
The authorities are expected to investigate the matter and ensure such lapses don’t happen again. For now, taxpayers are left hoping that this is simply an oversight and not a deliberate design choice.
