Swiggy has enabled more than 50,000 delivery partners across India to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) directly through its delivery partner app, covering partners working across its Food Marketplace and Instamart businesses.
The initiative resulted in cumulative income tax refund claims of ₹6.5 crore for the delivery partners, while more than one-third of those who filed their returns did so for the first time.
Building a formal financial identity
The move goes beyond tax compliance, as ITR filing can help delivery partners establish a formal financial history and build a recognised financial identity.
Such a financial track record can improve access to formal financial services that may otherwise be difficult for some delivery partners to obtain. These include loans for personal expenses and other requirements, as well as supporting documentation for rental agreements.
For a workforce that largely operates in the gig economy, establishing a financial footprint can therefore become an important step towards greater access to mainstream financial services.
Tax filing made easier
Swiggy partnered with tax-tech platforms ClearTax, TaxBuddy and Dvara Money to provide delivery partners with what it described as a holistic and friction-free tax-filing experience.
The company said the initiative was designed to make ITR filing more accessible through the delivery partner app, reducing the complexity involved in navigating the tax-filing process.
Swiggy Food Marketplace Chief Operating Officer Saurav Goyal said, “For our delivery partners, long-term stability is about building a recognized financial identity. By enabling our delivery partners to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) seamlessly, we are helping thousands of them become a part of the formal economy. This is a vital stepping stone that establishes their credit footprint, ultimately unlocking doors to a range of financial services that can transform the future for them and their families.”
Extending financial inclusion
Swiggy has previously undertaken initiatives aimed at improving financial awareness and access among its delivery partners.
The company has partnered with institutions including the National Stock Exchange and Zerodha to provide financial training and help delivery partners understand investment opportunities and plan for their financial future.
With more than 50,000 partners now using the platform to file ITRs, Swiggy’s latest initiative places greater emphasis on creating a formal financial trail for gig workers, potentially helping them access a wider range of financial products and services.