Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online doesn't have to be complicated. With the right documents and this step-by-step e-filing portal guide, you can file your returns in under 20 minutes.
Every year, millions of Indian taxpayers file their Income Tax Return (ITR) online to report their income, claim deductions, and declare taxes paid. For the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 (Assessment Year 2026-27), the Income Tax Department has updated the e-filing portal to make the process more user-friendly. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the entire online filing journey from start to finish.
The standard deadline for filing ITR for individual taxpayers (salaried, interest, house property) is July 31, 2026. Filing after this date attracts penalties under Section 234F up to ₹5,000, along with interest on unpaid tax.
Before logging onto the Income Tax e-Filing portal, make sure you have the following documents ready. Having this information beforehand ensures a smooth, error-free filing experience:
Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website (https://www.incometax.gov.in). If you are a new user, register using your PAN. If you have registered previously, log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and password.
Always verify the URL before logging in. The official portal has secure e-filing pages. Do not share your login details or password on unofficial platforms.
Once logged in, navigate to Services → Annual Information Statement (AIS). Download both your AIS (Form 168) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Cross-reference the TDS numbers shown here with the Form 130 given by your employer. If there is a mismatch, contact your employer or deductor immediately to rectify the error before you file.
Go to the dashboard and click on e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return. Select the following parameters:
Selecting the wrong ITR form will lead to your return being marked as defective under Section 139(9). The portal helps you auto-select based on questions, but you should know your form:
For a detailed breakdown of ITR forms, read our guide on Which ITR Form to Use? ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4 Explained.
The return contains several schedules which are pre-filled with data from your AIS and Form 130. You need to review and validate each section:
| Schedule Section | What You Must Verify / Fill |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Verify contact details, filing status, and bank accounts selected for refund. At least one bank account must be pre-validated. |
| Gross Total Income | Check salary income, interest income, and rental income. Verify that no source of income is left out. |
| Total Deductions | Confirm standard deductions and investments under Section 123 (PPF, ELSS, NPS, etc.) if you chose the Old Tax Regime. |
| Tax Paid | Check TDS credits from your salary, TCS credits, advance tax, and self-assessment tax paid. |
| Total Tax Liability | The portal computes your final tax liability or refund. Review the breakdown of cess and interest u/s 234A/B/C if applicable. |
Click 'Preview Return' to review the entire ITR form in PDF format. Double-check all personal details and financial values. If everything is accurate, proceed to validation. Once validated, click 'Proceed to Verification'.
Filing your return is only half the job. You must e-verify your return within 30 days of filing. If you fail to verify, your return is treated as invalid (never filed), and you may have to file a fresh return with late fees.
The easiest way to verify is online using Aadhaar OTP. Select the 'e-Verify Now' option, enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, and submit. You will receive an acknowledgment form (ITR-V) via email and SMS.
Unsure whether to file under the Old or New Tax Regime? Use our advanced calculator to compare your taxes side-by-side and choose the right option.
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