How Do I File My Income Tax Return on e-Filing?
How to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR) Online in India
Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2024–25 | AY 2025–26
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online is a streamlined process that ensures compliance with tax laws and facilitates timely refunds. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the e-filing process for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26).
✅ Step 1: Register or Log In to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
- New Users: Click on 'Register' and follow the prompts to create your account using your PAN.
- Existing Users: Click on 'Login' and enter your PAN (as User ID), password, and captcha code.
Note: Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar to avoid any access limitations.
✅ Step 2: Navigate to 'File Income Tax Return'
- After logging in, go to the 'e-File' menu.
- Select 'Income Tax Returns' > 'File Income Tax Return'.
✅ Step 3: Select the Appropriate Assessment Year and Mode of Filing
- Assessment Year: Choose 2025–26 for income earned in FY 2024–25.
- Mode of Filing: Select 'Online' and click 'Continue'.
✅ Step 4: Choose Your Filing Status
- Select your applicable status:
- Individual
- Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)
- Others
Click 'Continue' to proceed.
✅ Step 5: Select the Applicable ITR Form
- If you're unsure about which ITR form to use, select 'Help me decide which ITR Form to file'. The system will guide you based on your income sources.
- If you know the appropriate form, select it directly. For example:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with income from salary, one house property, and other sources (excluding lottery winnings and income from racehorses).
- ITR-2: This is for individuals and HUFs who do not have income from business or profession.
✅ Step 6: Provide Reason for Filing ITR
Indicate the reason for filing your return, such as:
- Income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
- Claiming a refund.
- Meeting specific criteria under tax laws.
✅ Step 7: Fill in the Required Details
- Personal Information: Verify and update your details.
- Income Details: Enter income from various sources like salary, house property, capital gains, etc.
- Deductions: Claim deductions under relevant sections (e.g., 80C, 80D) if you opt for the old tax regime.
- Tax Paid: Confirm taxes paid through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax.
Note: The portal may pre-fill certain details based on information available with the Income Tax Department. Ensure all information is accurate.
✅ Step 8: Review and Submit Your Return
- Preview: Review the summary of your return to ensure all details are correct.
- Validation: The system will check for errors. Resolve any issues before proceeding.
- Submission: Once validated, submit your return.
✅ Step 9: E-Verify Your Return
E-verification is mandatory to complete the filing process. You can e-verify using:
- Aadhaar OTP: Receive an OTP on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Net Banking: Log in through your bank's net banking portal.
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC): Generated through your bank account, demat account, or ATM.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Applicable for certain categories of taxpayers.
Alternatively, if you cannot e-verify immediately, you can send a signed physical copy of the ITR-V acknowledgment to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru within 30 days.
📌 Additional Tips
- Pre-validate Bank Account: Ensure your bank account is pre-validated on the e-filing portal for seamless refund processing.
- Keep Documents Handy: Maintain records of Form 16, interest certificates, investment proofs, and other relevant documents.
- Use Form 26AS: Reconcile your TDS and tax payments with Form 26AS to avoid discrepancies.
✅ Final Thoughts
E-filing your Income Tax Return is a straightforward process that promotes transparency and efficiency. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure accurate and timely filing, thereby fulfilling your tax obligations and facilitating any refunds due.
