Kar Saathi AI chatbot launched to simplify taxpayer services

Exam-focused facts from the 5 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Income Tax Department on 2 April 2026 unveiled an AI-powered chatbot named Kar Saathi on its revamped digital platform.
Kar Saathi functions as an intelligent virtual assistant to help taxpayers understand rules, file returns, and resolve queries without intermediaries.
The chatbot is positioned as a one-stop solution for accessing tax-related services and guidance.
Kar Saathi is a key pillar of the government’s strategy to support the transition to the new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from 1 April 2026.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Ravi Agrawal first outlined the concept during the launch of the PRARAMBH initiative.
PRARAMBH has rationalised rules from 510 to 333 and reduced forms from 399 to 190, eliminating compliance for over six crore transactions.
CBDT has prepared more than 2,200 FAQs and detailed guidance notes covering 186 forms to aid the transition.