Every year, when the time for filing income tax returns (ITR) comes, people rush to their chartered accountants to file their returns. However, instead of hiring an individual and paying them a hefty fee, you can opt to e-file income tax returns on your own from the comfort of your home or office.
Filing your income tax return (ITR) is an essential financial responsibility for every taxpayer. With the advancement of technology, the process has become much simpler and more convenient. The Income Tax Government Portal provides an electronic filing system that allows taxpayers to file their ITRs online. Moreover, with an increasing dependency on contactless transactions and the rising relevance of the digital world, it is crucial to know how to file ITR online.
Here’s a detailed guide on the above-mentioned steps on how to file an ITR return online on the income tax government portal.
Calculate Total Income and the Corresponding Tax Liability for the Financial Year
The first step is to calculate your total income and the corresponding tax liability for the financial year. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as salary slips, bank statements, and investment proofs, to determine your income and deductions accurately.
Review Your Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Certificates and Form 26AS
Review your Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates and cross-verify them with your Form 26AS, which is available on the Income Tax Portal. Form 26AS provides a comprehensive summary of the taxes deducted from your income by various deductors like your employer, bank, or any other institution. Make sure the TDS details mentioned in your Form 26AS match the certificates you have received.
Select the Appropriate Income Tax Return Form Based on Your Income Sources
Select the appropriate income tax return form based on your income sources and residential status. The forms available for e-filing income tax are ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7. Each form caters to different types of taxpayers, so choose the one that is applicable to your situation.
Visit the Income Tax Government Portal and Download the Utility
Visit the Income Tax Government Portal and download the utility corresponding to the selected ITR form. The utility is an Excel or Java-based software that helps in filling out the ITR form offline. Ensure that you download the utility compatible with your operating system.
Open the Downloaded Utility and Fill in the Required Details
Open the downloaded utility and fill in the required details accurately. The utility is designed to guide you through the process by providing appropriate sections for different types of income and deductions. Carefully enter the details from your income sources, deductions, and other necessary information.
Validate the Information Entered
Once you have filled in all the details, validate the information entered in the utility. The utility will check for any errors or inconsistencies in the data provided. Ensure that you review and rectify any mistakes to avoid complications during the filing process.
Convert the file to XML Format
After validating the information, convert the utility file into XML format. The utility software usually provides an option to convert the file into XML. Save the XML file on your computer in a location that is easily accessible.
Submit the XML file using the Income Tax Portal
Login to the Income Tax Government Portal with your user ID and password. Navigate to the “e-File” section and select “Income Tax Return.” Choose the assessment year, the relevant ITR form, and the submission mode as “Upload XML.” Attach the XML file you saved earlier and click on the “Submit” button to upload the file.
Once the XML file is successfully uploaded, the portal will generate an acknowledgement in the form of an ITR-V (Income Tax Return Verification). You can download the ITR-V and save it for your records. It is essential to verify the ITR-V to complete the filing process.
Wrapping Up
E-filing income tax simplifies the tax filing process and offers convenience to taxpayers. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can efficiently complete your tax return filing and fulfil your tax obligations in a timely manner.
Key takeaways
- Step 1: Calculate your total income and the corresponding tax liability for the financial year.
- Step 2: Review your Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates and cross-verify them with your Form 26AS, which is available on the Income Tax Portal.
- Step 3: Select the appropriate income tax return form based on your income sources and residential status.
- Step 4: Visit the Income Tax Government Portal and download the utility corresponding to the selected ITR form.
- Step 5: Open the downloaded utility and fill in the required details accurately.
- Step 6: After validating the information, convert the utility file into XML format.
- Step 7: Once the XML file is successfully uploaded, the portal will generate an acknowledgement in the form of an ITR-V
