How to Submit a Tax Return in India?
How to Submit a Tax Return in India?
Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2024–25 | AY 2025–26
Submitting your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important part of your financial responsibility as a taxpayer.
Many people find the process confusing, but in reality, filing your return is easier than ever, thanks to online filing options.
"How do I submit my tax return correctly?"
Here’s a clear, updated, and beginner-friendly guide to help you through the process.
✅ Step 1: Check If You Need to File ITR
You must file an ITR if:
- Your gross total income exceeds the basic exemption limit:
- ₹2.5 lakh (below 60 years)
- ₹3 lakh (60–80 years)
- ₹5 lakh (above 80 years)
- You have foreign income or assets.
- You deposited more than ₹1 crore in a bank account.
- Your electricity bill exceeds ₹1 lakh.
- You incurred expenses of ₹2 lakh or more on foreign travel.
- You wish to claim a refund or carry forward losses.
✅ Filing voluntarily, even if not mandatory, helps build a clean financial history!
✅ Step 2: Collect Necessary Documents
Before filing, keep the following ready:
- PAN and Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details (must be pre-validated)
- Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
- Form 16A/16B (for TDS on other income)
- Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Home loan interest certificates (if applicable)
- Investment proofs for 80C, 80D, etc.
- Details of capital gains, rent income, etc.
✅ Step 3: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
- Use your PAN as User ID.
- Complete login using password and OTP (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register first using your PAN, mobile, and email.
✅ Step 4: Select 'File Income Tax Return'
- Go to the 'e-File' menu.
- Click 'Income Tax Return' > 'File Income Tax Return'.
✅ Step 5: Choose the Correct Assessment Year
- For income earned between 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025 ➔ Choose AY 2025–26.
Also select:
- Filing Type: Original / Revised Return
- ITR Form Type:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj) for simple salaried individuals.
- ITR-2 for capital gains, multiple house properties.
- ITR-3 for business or professional income.
- ITR-4 (Sugam) for presumptive taxation.
✅ You can use the portal’s “Help me decide” option if unsure about the form.
✅ Step 6: Fill Details and Verify Pre-Filled Information
- Personal Information: Auto-filled from your Aadhaar and PAN.
- Income Sources: Salary, house property, capital gains, other income.
- Tax Deductions: 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.
- Tax Paid: TDS, advance tax, self-assessment tax.
✅ Double-check the TDS entries with Form 26AS and AIS.
✅ Step 7: Preview, Submit, and E-Verify
- Validate the form to catch errors.
- Preview the entire return carefully.
- Click 'Submit'.
Immediately e-verify your return via:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net Banking
- Bank Account EVC
- Digital Signature Certificate (for companies and professionals)
Without e-verification, the return filing process remains incomplete.
✅ Step 8: Track Your ITR Status
- After submission and e-verification, track the status under 'My Account' → 'View Filed Returns'.
- Refund, if any, will be processed after successful verification and processing by the department.
✅ Final Words
Filing and submitting your tax return today is easier, faster, and safer through online e-filing portals.
If you file early and verify immediately, you can also get your refunds quicker and avoid last-minute problems.
Stay organized, file smart, and stay compliant!
