ITR filing made easy: Here's a simple step-by-step guide to file income tax return
Filing your income tax return (ITR) might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it's actually quite straightforward—especially when done online. And here's a bit of relief for crores of taxpayers as the Income Tax Department has extended the last date to file ITR for AY 2025-26 from July 31 to September 15, 2025, for those not requiring an audit. That means you now have 45 extra days to file your return without facing any late fee.advertisementTo make the process smoother, the tax department has released updated ITR utilities for ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam). These are user-friendly tools designed to help you fill in and submit your return online with ease.GATHER THESE KEY DOCUMENTS FIRSTBefore starting your income tax return, ensure you have key documents in hand. These include Form 16 from your employer, Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Tax Information Statement (TIS) from the income tax portal, and your bank statements.
Interest certificates from banks or post offices are also essential. Together, these help confirm your total income and taxes already paid.CHOOSING THE RIGHT ITR FORMThe Income Tax Department has released seven ITR forms (ITR-1 to ITR-7) for FY 2024–25.Most individuals fall under ITR-1 to ITR-4, depending on how they earn, whether through salary, business, or other sources.Now let's walk through the simple steps to file your ITR online.HOW TO FILE ITR ONLINE: STEP-BY-STEPadvertisementTo file your ITR online, start by visiting the official income tax e-filing portal and logging in with your PAN and password. Once logged in, go to the 'e-File' tab and click on 'File Income Tax Return'. Choose the appropriate assessment year, AY 2025-26, for income earned in FY 2024-25, and select the 'Online' filing mode.Next, choose your filing status. Most taxpayers will select 'Individual'. Then, pick the correct ITR form based on your income type. You'll also need to mention the reason for filing your return, such as having taxable income above the exemption limit or meeting certain other criteria.Review and validate all the pre-filled information shown on the portal, including your personal details, bank information, and income figures.Once everything looks correct, e-verify your return within 30 days. You can do this through Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC, or by posting a signed copy of ITR-V to the CPC in Bengaluru.Remember, accurate and timely ITR filing not only keeps you tax-compliant but also helps in quicker refunds and smoother financial planning. Take advantage of the new deadline and updated portal to file stress-free.Trending Reel
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