Zomato and Blinkit’s targeted effort has enabled more than 2 lakh delivery partners to claim significant refunds through simplified tax filing, promoting financial security and expanding access to formal credit channels amid evolving gig-worker regulations.
Zomato and its quick-commerce arm Blinkit have helped 2.10 lakh delivery partners file income tax returns and recover Rs 33.6 crore in refunds, according to reporting by Retail News Asia. The average payout came to about Rs 1,600 a rider, and roughly three-quarters of the participants were said to be filing a return for the first time.
The exercise matters because most delivery partners have tax deducted at source at a standard 1% rate on platform payouts, even when their annual income stays below the tax-free threshold. That means the withheld money is usually refundable, but only if workers can complete the paperwork and file properly. By moving the process into the partner app and using a chatbot to guide users through the steps, the companies appear to have removed one of the biggest barriers to claiming that money.
The initiative also has a wider financial purpose. Aditya Mangla, chief executive of Zomato, said the aim was to make the experience “useful and accessible” and to help delivery partners become more financially secure over time. In practice, a tax return creates a formal record that can help workers seek credit, apply for a two-wheeler loan or even support rental agreements , a small but important step towards the formal financial system.
Livemint reported that the broader push across e-commerce platforms has now helped more than 2 lakh delivery partners claim refunds, with Zomato, Blinkit and Meesho’s Valmo together facilitating Rs 35.6 crore. Outlook Money also reported that about 75% of filers were first-timers. For the platforms, the move doubles as a retention tool in a sector where rider churn is high, while also signalling readiness for tougher gig-worker rules that are expected to reshape the industry.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
