Quick Overview:
- Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is mandatory if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit or if you meet specified financial criteria under the Income Tax Act.
- You can do the whole process of the ITR filing online in the official Income Tax e-filing portal with the help of your PAN and Aadhaar-linked information.
- ITR-1 (Sahaj) is generally used by salaried individuals, and ITR-4 (Sugam) is normally used by small business owners under the presumptive taxation scheme.
- The documents that will be needed are Form 16 (where applicable), Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), bank statements, and evidence of tax-saving investments.
- The portal is designed to automatically fill in most of your tax information, though taxpayers need to pay close attention to verifying salary income, interest income, capital gains and deductions before submitting them.
- The deductions as provided in Sections 80C, 80D and exemptions provided in Section 10 would help greatly in lowering the taxable income and the total amount of tax payable.
- In case of any outstanding tax after deduction of TDS and advance tax, it should be paid online, and thereafter, the return should be submitted.
- Once submitted, the ITR has to be verified within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC or by physical ITR-V.
- Filing in time (usually before July 31 in the case of most individuals) will prevent late fees, interest penalties, and loss of some tax benefits.
With the e-filing system of Income Tax Return (ITR), filing has become easy and convenient. In case you have a query about how to file ITR online, this stepwise guide will take you through the whole process of registration to verification to enable you to complete your return in a smooth and accurate way.
This guide will show you how to file ITR online without hiring a professional in case you are a salaried worker, freelancer, or small business owner.
What is an Income Tax Return (ITR)?
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that is filed with the Income Tax Department of India that gives information on your income, expenditures, tax deductions, investments, as well as taxes paid in a given financial year.
It helps the government:
- Assess your tax liability
- Process tax refunds
- Maintain financial records
Whether or not to file an ITR depends on whether your income is under the basic exemption limit or not, and under certain conditions as set in the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Who Should File an Income Tax Return Online?
You must file an ITR if:
- Your gross total income exceeds the basic exemption limit
- You want to claim a tax refund
- You have foreign income or foreign assets
- You have saved above the stipulated amount in savings accounts.
- You exceeded the set permits on foreign travel or electricity.
- You own a partnership firm or company.
ITR filing can also be used to gain financial credibility even though your income is lower than the exemption limit.
Documents Required for Filing ITR Online
The following documents should be prepared before initiating the procedurfor filingle ITR online of a salaried person:
Income Proof Documents
- Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
- Salary slips
- Form 26AS
- Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Profit and loss statement (for business owners)
Suggested Read: Documents Required when buying a Health Insurance Policy
Tax Saving and Deduction Proofs
- LIC premium receipts
- PPF investment details
- ELSS investment proof
- Health insurance premium receipts
- Home loan interest certificate
Bank and Investment Details
- Bank account statements
- Interest certificates
- Capital gains statements
- Dividend income details
Having all documents ready ensures accurate tax filing.
Step-By-Step Process to File ITR Online
Let’s now understand how to file ITR online by yourself in a detailed and structured manner.
Step 1: Go to the Income Tax E-Filing Website
Visit the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in
This is the only official platform for how to file ITR returns online.
Step 2: Register or Log In to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal
If you are a new user:
- Click on “Register”
- Enter your PAN details
- Provide an Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Complete OTP verification
If already registered:
- Click “Login”
- Enter PAN, password, and captcha
Step 3: Select the Assessment Year for ITR Filing
Choose the correct Assessment Year (AY).
For example:
If filing for income earned between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, select Assessment Year 2025–26.
Step 4: Select the Mode of Filing (Online or Offline)
You can choose:
- Online mode (recommended for individuals)
- Offline mode (upload JSON file generated from the utility)
For most taxpayers, the online method is simple and user-friendly.
Step 5: Select Your Filing Status
Choose the appropriate status:
- Individual
- Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
- Firm
- Company
Most salaried taxpayers will select “Individual.”
Step 6: Choose the Appropriate ITR Form
Choosing the correct form is crucial while learning how to file ITR online for a salaried person.
When to Select ITR-1 (Sahaj)
ITR-1 is applicable if:
- You are a resident individual
- Income up to ₹50 lakh
- Income from salary, one house property, and other sources
- No capital gains or business income
This is the most commonly used form by salaried individuals.
When to Select ITR-4 (Sugam)
ITR-4 is applicable if:
- You opt for presumptive taxation
- You have business or professional income under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE
- Income up to ₹50 lakh
Other Common ITR Forms Explained Briefly
- ITR-2: For individuals with capital gains or foreign income
- ITR-3: For individuals with business/professional income not under the presumptive scheme
- ITR-5/6/7: For firms, companies, trusts
Selecting the correct form prevents rejection or notice from the department.
Step 7: Enter Personal, Income, and Tax Details
Fill in:
- Personal details (name, address, Aadhaar)
- Salary income
- House property income
- Other income (interest, dividend, etc.)
- TDS details
The portal auto-populates some data from Form 26AS and AIS.
Step 8: Calculate Total Income and Tax Liability
After entering all income details:
- The system calculates the total taxable income
- Applicable tax as per slab rates is computed
- TDS and advance tax are adjusted
You will see either:
- Tax payable
- Refund due
Step 9: Claim Deductions and Exemptions
This step reduces your taxable income.
Section 80C Deductions
You can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh for:
- PPF
- ELSS
- LIC premiums
- EPF contributions
- Principal repayment of the home loan
Section 80D Deductions
You can claim a deduction for:
Suggested read: Health Insurance 80D Tax Exemptions
Section 10 Exemptions
Exemptions include:
- HRA (House Rent Allowance)
- LTA (Leave Travel Allowance)
- Gratuity (as per limits)
Ensure you enter accurate deduction details.
Step 10: Pay Taxes (If Any Tax Is Due)
If tax is payable:
- Click on “Pay Now”
- Use net banking, debit card, or UPI
- Complete payment
Once paid, the challan details will reflect in your return.
Step 11: Review Summary of Tax Computation
Carefully review:
- Total income
- Deductions claimed
- Tax paid
- Refund or payable amount
Double-check bank account details for refund processing.
Step 12: Proceed to the Validation of ITR
The portal performs automatic validation to ensure:
- Mandatory fields are filled
- PAN and Aadhaar are valid
- Tax computation is accurate
Correct errors if highlighted.
Step 13: Submit the Income Tax Return
After validation:
- Click “Submit”
- A confirmation message will appear
Your return is now filed, but not complete until verified.
Step 14: Verify the ITR After Submission
Verification is mandatory within 30 days of filing.
Aadhaar OTP Verification
- Choose “Verify via Aadhaar OTP”
- Enter OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile
Net Banking Verification
- Log in through net banking
- Select the e-verify option
EVC and Physical Verification Options
- Generate Electronic Verification Code (EVC)
- Or send the signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru
E-verification is faster and recommended.
How to Check ITR Status After Filing Online
To check status:
- Log in to the portal
- Click “View Filed Returns”
- Check status (Submitted, Verified, Processed, etc.)
You can also track refund status through the portal.
Can You File ITR Online Without Form 16?
Yes, you can file ITR without Form 16.
You will need:
- Salary slips
- Form 26AS
- AIS statement
- Bank interest certificates
Form 16 makes the process easier, but it is not mandatory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR Online
Avoid these errors:
- Selecting the wrong ITR form
- Incorrect bank account details
- Not reporting interest income
- Skipping verification step
- Claiming incorrect deductions
Always cross-check with Form 26AS and AIS.
Suggested Read: Why Your Financial Plan Should Include Health Insurance
Benefits of Filing ITR Online
Benefit |
Detailed Explanation |
Quick and Paperless Process |
Online submission of ITR removes paperwork and physical visits to the tax offices. The whole process, including filling in the income information, submission, and verification, can be done online via the Income Tax e-filing portal. Auto-filled Form 26AS and AIS data also minimises the manual work and accelerates the filing process. |
Faster Refunds |
Tax refunds are processed faster when you e-verify your online return immediately. The money is directly refunded to your already approved bank account, and this reduces delays that come with using other manual filing systems. |
Easy Correction Through Revised Return |
In case of any mistake during the filing process, you may file an amended return before the due date. This enables taxpayers to rectify errors with regard to reporting on income, deductions, or bank information without any significant complications. |
Financial Proof for Loans and Visas |
ITR receipts are accepted as valid income evidence to apply for home loans, car loans, credit cards, and visa applications. When a bank is evaluating creditworthiness, many financial institutions demand ITR records during the last 2 or 3 years. |
Avoid Penalties |
By filing your ITR before the stipulated date, you save the late filing charges provided under Section 234F, interest under Section 234A and other charges provided under compliance. Income tax department noticescane also be avoided by timely filing. |
Saves Professional Fees and Improves Financial Awareness |
Knowing how to fill in the ITR online yourself saves you consultancy fees that are paid to tax experts. It also makes you more financially responsible and aware of the income tax rules, deductions, exemptions and general financial planning. |
Suggested Read: This Added Health Insurance Benefit Will Blow Your Mind!
Deadline for Filing ITR Online
For individuals not requiring an audit:
- Usually, July 31 of the assessment year
For taxpayers requiringan audit:
- October 31 (subject to government notification)
Always check official announcements for exact dates.
What Happens If You File ITR After the Due Date?
Late filing may result in:
- Late filing fee up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F
- Interest under Section 234A
- Loss of certain carry-forward benefits
You can still file a belated return before the prescribed deadline.
Conclusion: Filing ITR Online Made Simple
It is vital that every taxpayer understands the procedures for filing ITR online. The e-filing portal has simplified the process and made it transparent and easy to use. With the help of ready documents and attention to every step, you can prepare your return correctly without using the services of a professional.
When you are learning how to file ITR online, be it as a person earning a salary or a business owner, filing at the right time incurs compliance and financial stability.
FAQs
Why is it important to file an income tax return?
Filing ITR ensures legal compliance, enables refund claims, and serves as financial proof for loans and visa applications.
Who is required to file an ITR in India?
Individuals whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit or who meet specified conditions must file an ITR.
What are the different types of ITR forms?
Common forms include ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, and ITR-4 for individuals and businesses.
What documents are required to file an ITR?
Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, bank statements, and deduction proofs are commonly required.
How do I file my ITR online?
Log in to the Income Tax portal, select the assessment year, choose the correct form, fill in the income details, claim deductions, submit, and verify.
Can I file ITR without Form 16?
Yes, you can use salary slips and Form 26AS instead.
How can I verify my ITR after submission?
You can verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, or by sending the signed ITR-V physically.
How do I check my ITR status after filing?
Log in to the e-filing portal and check under “View Filed Returns.”
