Filing your Income Tax Return online is a structured exercise that records your income, adjusts taxes already paid and determines whether additional tax is due or a refund is payable. A correctly filed ITR also serves as an important financial document for loans, visas and long-term records. This guide walks through every step of online ITR filing.
Table of Contents
Understand whether you are required to file an ITR
You are required to file an ITR if any of the following apply:
- Total income exceeds the basic exemption limit
- Tax has been deducted at source and a refund is expected
- You have income from capital gains, business or profession
- You hold foreign assets or foreign income
- You want to carry forward losses
- You need income proof for loans, visas or financial records
Even if income is below the exemption limit, filing may still be beneficial.
Gather documents and financial details
Before starting the filing process, keep the following information ready:
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Bank account details for refund credit
- Form 16 from employer
- Form 16A or 16B for non-salary TDS
- Bank interest certificates or statements
- Details of investments and insurance premiums
- Capital gains statements from brokers or registrars
- Rent received or property income details, if applicable
Estimating tax in advance using an income tax calculator helps identify payable tax or refund early.
Register or log in to the income tax e-filing portal
The income tax e-filing portal uses PAN as the user ID. New users must register using PAN, Aadhaar and contact details. Existing users can log in using PAN and password. Once logged in, update profile details and pre-validate at least one bank account for refunds.
Select the correct Assessment Year and filing type
Assessment Year refers to the year in which income earned in the previous financial year is assessed. For example:
Income earned during FY 2024–25 is filed in AY 2025–26.
Choose the filing type:
- Original return if filing for the first time
- Revised return if correcting an already filed return
Choose the correct ITR form
Selecting the correct form is one of the most critical steps.
ITR-1 (Sahaj): For resident individuals with salary or pension income, income from one house property and other income like interest. Total income must not exceed ₹50 lakh.
ITR-2: For individuals and HUFs with capital gains, multiple house properties or foreign income or assets.
ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs earning income from business or profession.
ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs and firms opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.
Selecting an incorrect form can lead to a defective return notice.
Review pre-filled information carefully
The portal auto-fills details based on information submitted by employers, banks and other institutions.
Verify the following:
- Salary details against Form 16
- Interest income from all bank accounts
- TDS amounts reflected correctly
- Personal and bank account details
If any income is missing or incorrect, add or correct it manually.
Enter income under all applicable heads
Income must be reported accurately under the correct heads:
- Salary or pension
- House property income or loss
- Capital gains from shares, mutual funds or property
- Business or professional income
- Other income such as interest or dividends
Incomplete income reporting may result in notices later.
Claim deductions and exemptions correctly
Deductions reduce taxable income and must be claimed only if eligible.
Common deductions include:
- Section 80C for investments like PF, insurance, ELSS
- Section 80D for health insurance premiums
- Section 80TTA or 80TTB for savings interest
- Education loan interest
- Approved donations
Ensure deductions align with the tax regime chosen.
Compute tax liability or refund
After entering income and deductions, the system calculates:
- Total taxable income
- Tax payable or refundable
- Surcharge and cess, if applicable
If tax is payable, it must be cleared before submission.
Pay self-assessment tax if required
If tax payable exceeds TDS and advance tax already paid, the balance must be paid as self-assessment tax. Payment methods include: Net banking, Debit card and UPI. Confirm challan details are reflected correctly before proceeding.
Review the return before submission
Before submitting, carefully review your name, PAN and Aadhaar, bank account details, income totals, deductions claimed, tax paid and refund amount.
Verify the return to complete filing
Verification is mandatory for the return to be treated as filed.
Verification options include:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Pre-validated bank account
- Pre-validated demat account
- Physical verification by sending ITR-V
Complete the verification within 120 days of filing.
After submission and verification
Once verified, an acknowledgement is generated. If there are refunds, they will be processed after assessment. Status can be tracked on the portal. Keep a copy of the acknowledgement and computation statement for future use.
Final takeaway
Filing ITR online is a step-driven process that combines preparation, accuracy and timely verification. When done carefully, it ensures compliance, smooth refunds and clean financial records year after year.
