How to File ITR Online?

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of how to file income tax return online, the essential documents you need, and the next steps after submission to ensure the best tax filing experience.

How to File ITR Online?

How to file income tax return online – it is a straightforward process done step by step. By using the income tax e-filing portal, you can easily submit your return, verify details, and complete the process in a few clicks. Follow these detailed steps to confirm a smooth filing experience:

Step 1: Login

• Visit the official e-filing website for Income Tax and click on ‘Login’.
• Enter your PAN details as the User ID and click ‘Continue’.
• Tick the security message box, enter your password, and proceed.

Step 2: Go to ‘File Income Tax Return’

Click on the ‘e-File’ tab, then select ‘Income Tax Returns’, and then click on ‘File Income Tax Return’.

Step 3: Select the Right ‘Assessment Year’

• Choose ‘AY 2026-27’ for FY 2025-26 or ‘AY 2025-26’ for FY 2024-25.
• Select ‘Online’ as the mode of filing and choose the correct return type (Original or Revised).

Step 4: Select the Status

• Choose your filing status: ‘Individual’, ‘HUF’, or ‘Others’.
• For personal filing, select ‘Individual’ and proceed.

Step 5: Select ITR Type

• Determine the correct ITR form based on your income type.
• ITR-1 to ITR-4 apply to Individuals and HUFs (e.g., ITR-2 for capital gains).

Step 6: Choose the Reason for Filing ITR

Select the reason applicable to you:

• Taxable income exceeds the exemption limit.
• Mandatory filing due to specific criteria.
• Other applicable reasons.

Step 7: Validate Pre-filled Information

• Verify pre-filled details like PAN, Aadhaar, contact, and bank details.
• Disclose income, exemptions, and deductions.
• Review and confirm the return summary before making any pending tax payments.

Step 8: E-verify ITR

Verify your ITR within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC, or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru.

Which Documents are Needed to File the ITR?

Before knowing how to file income tax return online, it is important to gather all the necessary documents that will be needed to make the process easier. Here is a list of documents that will be needed for how to file tax return online:

Form-16

If you are a salaried taxpayer, Form-16 is a TDS certificate issued to you by your employer, which includes the salary paid to you and the TDS deducted from it. This form consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. The former includes the details of the tax deducted by your employer, your PAN number, and your employer’s TAN number. Part B of the form consists of the break-up of your gross salary, including exemption allowances, prerequisites, etc.

Interest Certificates from Banks and Post Offices

This certificate can be procured from banks or the post office to specify interest incomes such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, etc. Apart from this, you will also need to have the details of all the accounts you have held in the given financial year.

Tax-saving Investment Proofs

You need to reveal all the tax-saving investments you have made and the expenditures you have incurred under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The most common exemptions under Section 80C are:

• Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF)
• Public Provident Fund (PPF)
• Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
• Life Insurance Premiums
• National Pension Scheme (NPS) etc.

Apart from these, you will also need the following:

• Form 26AS: Consolidated annual TDS statement that has the taxes that have been deducted at source and deposited under your PAN in any given year.
• Personal Identification: Basic information such as your PAN, Aadhaar, permanent address, etc.

Way Forward

Understanding the significance of the Income Tax Return (ITR) and its role in declaring income, expenses, deductions, and investments, it becomes imperative for individuals to adhere to the filing requirements. A proactive and informed approach to income tax filing ensures compliance with legal requirements and contributes to financial planning and responsible citizenship. It is a crucial responsibility that, when executed diligently, can lead to a smoother and more rewarding financial journey.

FAQs on How to File Income Tax Return Online