A revamped online portal of the Income Tax department was launched today which will enable taxpayers to file returns or apply for a PAN card through a 'single window' format.

Taxpayers so far had to go to different official websites of the I-T department for these matters.

"An updated version of the website -- www.incometaxindia.gov.in -- will act as the 'single window' for all activities and online services offered by the I-T department.

"Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was supposed to inaugurate it but due to medical compulsions he could not do so," said a senior I-T official.

As the website is an important tool for taxpayers, the department launched it today without any delay, the officer added.

The new version of the website has been made more user- friendly and robust and can handle a larger number of visits at a time, the officer said, adding that all the links to PAN card data and e-filing have been centralised on this portal.

"The new website has enhanced features and taxpayers will be able to file their I-T returns online and even apply for a PAN on this portal. (These aspects) were till now hosted on a different official web address of the department," the officer said.

Apart from I-T rules and laws, the website also has 106 other Acts under the IPC and CrPC for ready reference.

Separate icons have been provided on the improved portal providing the locations of various I-T offices in the country, including that of the important office of the 'Ombudsman'.

The website will also allow taxpayers to get information about various notices and circulars which are issued from time to time along with other regular developments in the department.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had envisaged such a website in its ambitious 'Vision 2020' document prepared a few years back and the new website is a culmination of efforts to give better services to taxpayers, the officer said.