Quick commerce platform Zepto has partnered with tax technology firm ClearTax to offer income tax return (ITR) filing services to its delivery workforce across India.
The initiative aims to bridge the financial literacy gap among gig workers and enable them to access tax refunds through a simplified, multilingual digital interface.
According to company statements, the collaboration has already facilitated refunds worth over ₹1.5 crore, with nearly half of Zepto’s delivery partners opting to file their returns through ClearTax this year.
This move reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by gig economy workers in navigating formal financial systems, particularly tax compliance.
Many delivery executives are first-time filers, and the partnership seeks to make the process accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.
WhatsApp-Based Filing in Seven Languages for Zepto Delivery Workforce
At the core of the initiative is a WhatsApp-based, chat-led filing system developed by ClearTax.
Available 24/7 in over seven Indian languages, the platform allows users to file their ITRs through a guided conversation.
The AI-powered system pre-fills relevant data, calculates taxes, and walks users through deductions and exemptions before electronically submitting the return and confirming its status.
This approach eliminates the need for users to navigate complex portals or understand intricate tax terminology.
It also supports multilingual access, ensuring that delivery executives from diverse linguistic backgrounds can participate without barriers.
On-Ground Support and Awareness Campaigns
To complement the digital interface, Zepto and ClearTax have rolled out on-ground support mechanisms.
Helpdesks have been set up at Zepto’s dark stores, and webinars and telephonic assistance are available to guide users through the process.
ClearTax experts provide real-time support, helping workers understand their eligibility and complete filings accurately.
Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO of ClearTax, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Thousands of gig workers across India are missing out on tax refunds due to limited financial literacy.
He added, “Our partnership with Zepto aims to bridge this gap, allowing delivery executives to easily file their ITR through a simple WhatsApp message in their preferred language”.
Refunds Average ₹7,000–₹8,000 Per Worker
The financial impact of the program has been significant.
Refunds claimed through the platform average ₹7,000–₹8,000 per worker—equivalent to nearly a week’s salary for many delivery executives, whose monthly earnings typically range between ₹18,000 and ₹25,000.
These refunds not only improve take-home income but also encourage greater participation in formal financial systems.
The initiative is particularly relevant in the context of India’s expanding gig economy, which was estimated at 7.7 million workers in 2023 and is projected to reach 23.5 million by 2030, according to NITI Aayog and BCG.
Analysts suggest that if even 30% of gig workers file taxes regularly, the sector could contribute an additional ₹10,000–₹15,000 crore annually in direct tax collections.
Zepto and ClearTax Partnership: A Scalable Model for Other Platforms?
Zepto’s partnership with ClearTax may serve as a model for other gig platforms seeking to support their workforce with financial tools and services.
By combining digital innovation with on-ground engagement, the initiative demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to promote financial inclusion and compliance.
As the gig economy continues to grow, such collaborations could play a key role in integrating informal workers into the formal economy, improving both individual livelihoods and national tax revenues.
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