Filing your income tax return (ITR) is not just a legal obligation—it also helps you claim refunds, carry forward losses, and maintain financial credibility. Thanks to the digital transformation by the Income Tax Department of India, it’s now easier than ever to file income tax returns online from the comfort of your home.
This guide will walk you through the entire process in simple steps, helping both salaried individuals and freelancers e-file their taxes easily and accurately.
? What is an Income Tax Return (ITR)?
An Income Tax Return is a form that individuals and businesses submit to the Income Tax Department, declaring their income, deductions, and tax paid. Filing it on time is mandatory if your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
✉️ Who Should File Income Tax Returns?
You should file income tax returns online if:
Your annual income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh (for individuals under 60)
You are seeking a tax refund
You earned income from multiple sources (salary, house property, investments, etc.)
You are applying for loans or visas
You are a company or LLP (mandatory regardless of income)
? Documents Required to File ITR Online
Before you begin the process, keep these documents ready:
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Form 16 (for salaried employees)
Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement)
Salary slips
Bank account details
Details of other income (interest, rental, capital gains, etc.)
Investment proofs (80C, 80D, etc.)
TDS certificates
? Steps to File Income Tax Returns Online in India
Step 1: Register/Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Website: https://www.incometax.gov.in
If you're a first-time user, register using your PAN card. If already registered, log in using your PAN and password.
Step 2: Choose "File Income Tax Return"
On the dashboard, click on "e-File" > "Income Tax Return"
Choose the assessment year (e.g., for FY 2023–24, the AY is 2024–25)
Step 3: Select the Right ITR Form
The form depends on your income source:
ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income < Rs. 50 lakh
ITR-2: For individuals with capital gains, foreign income, or multiple properties
ITR-3: For professionals or business income
ITR-4 (Sugam): For presumptive taxation scheme (small businesses)
Step 4: Fill in Your Details
The portal may auto-fill many details from your PAN, Form 26AS, and AIS. You need to:
Verify personal details
Confirm income from salary, house property, and other sources
Declare deductions (Section 80C, 80D, etc.)
Calculate tax liability or refund
Step 5: Validate and Preview Your Return
Before submitting, validate each section and preview the full return. Ensure:
No typos in PAN, Aadhaar, or bank details
Correct deduction and tax figures
Step 6: Submit and E-Verify Your Return
Once satisfied, submit the return. Then, choose one of the methods to e-verify:
Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
Demat account
Bank ATM
Note: E-verification is mandatory to complete the filing process. If not done within 30 days, your ITR is considered invalid.
✅ Benefits When You File Income Tax Returns Online
Quick Processing: Refunds are processed faster
Accuracy: Fewer chances of errors due to auto-population
Accessibility: Available 24/7 from anywhere
Proof of Income: Useful for visas, loans, and business credibility
Carry Forward Losses: Set off capital losses in future years
? Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong ITR form
Not reporting all income (especially interest or freelance earnings)
Incorrect bank details (may delay refund)
Skipping verification of return
? Pro Tips for Hassle-Free ITR Filing
Link PAN and Aadhaar beforehand
Check Form 26AS for tax credits before filing
Use AIS (Annual Information Statement) for cross-checking your financial data
File early to avoid last-minute issues
Save acknowledgment receipt (ITR-V) for future reference
? File Income Tax Returns Online with Expert Help
Don’t want to do it alone? Platforms like TaxLegit offer CA-assisted filing to ensure accuracy, maximum deductions, and timely submission. This is especially useful if you have income from multiple sources, foreign income, or are running a small business.
❓ FAQs on Filing Income Tax Returns Online
Q1. Can I file my ITR without Form 16?
Yes. If you have salary slips, Form 26AS, and AIS data, you can file your return without Form 16.
Q2. What happens if I miss the ITR filing deadline?
A late fee of up to Rs. 5,000 may apply. You may also lose the chance to carry forward losses.
Q3. Is filing ITR mandatory if my income is below Rs. 2.5 lakh?
Not mandatory, but advisable if you want to claim a refund or document your income.
Q4. How long does it take to get a refund after filing ITR?
Usually 7 to 30 days if filed correctly and verified on time.
Q5. Is e-verification necessary?
Yes. Without e-verification, your return is considered incomplete.
