Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) from home has never been easier. Thanks to the digital transformation of the Income Tax Department of India, taxpayers can now file their ITRs online in just a few minutes without visiting any office. Whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, or a small business owner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process clearly and confidently.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to file your ITR online, including the documents required, a simple breakdown of the filing process, and tips to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also link you to official government resources so you can verify everything for yourself.
File ITR: File Income Tax Return
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic | How to File Income Tax Return (ITR) from Home |
| Applicable For | Salaried employees, freelancers, professionals, small business owners |
| Time Required | 10 to 20 minutes if documents are ready |
| Forms Used | ITR-1 (salaried), ITR-4 (business), others based on income type |
| e-Verification | Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank Account, or ITR-V submission |
| Deadline for AY 2024–25 | July 31, 2025 |
Filing your ITR online is quick, secure, and user-friendly when you’re prepared. With this guide, even a beginner can confidently file their return in under 30 minutes. Remember to keep your documents ready, verify your information, and don’t miss the deadline.
What Is an ITR and Why Should You File It?
An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form where you report your income, expenses, tax deductions, and taxes paid to the Indian government. Filing an ITR is not just for those who owe taxes. Even if your income is below the taxable limit, it’s wise to file an ITR because:
- You may be eligible for a tax refund.
- It helps when applying for loans or visas.
- It acts as a financial proof for various legal and professional purposes.
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Who Needs to File an ITR?
You should file your ITR if:
- Your gross income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh (Rs. 3 lakh for senior citizens).
- You want to claim a refund on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
- You’ve earned from freelancing, trading, interest, rent, or overseas income.
- You’ve received foreign assets or income.
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online From Home
Step 1: Collect Required Documents
Before logging in, keep these handy:
- PAN card and Aadhaar card
- Form 16 from your employer (if salaried)
- Form 26AS (tax credit statement)
- Bank account details and statements
- Investment proofs (80C, 80D, etc.)
- TDS certificates (Form 16A)
- Interest certificates from banks or post office
Step 2: Log in to the Income Tax Portal
- Visit the e-Filing Portal.
- Click Login and enter your PAN as User ID and your password.
- Complete the OTP verification (Aadhaar-linked mobile).
Step 3: Choose to File ITR Online
- Click on e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.
- Choose the Assessment Year 2024–25.
- Select the mode: Online.
- Choose Individual, and then your applicable ITR form.
Tip: If you’re a salaried individual with income under Rs 50 lakh, use ITR-1 (Sahaj).
Step 4: Fill in Your Income Details
The portal will pre-fill most details based on your PAN. Still, check these sections:
- Personal Information: Address, contact info, Aadhaar.
- Income Details: Salary, interest income, rental income.
- Deductions: Under sections 80C (LIC, PPF), 80D (health insurance), etc.
- Taxes Paid: TDS from Form 16 and Form 26AS.
Step 5: Preview and Validate
- The system will show a summary of your return.
- Check everything carefully.
- Click Proceed to Validation.
Step 6: Pay Tax Dues (if any)
If tax is payable, you can pay directly via Net Banking or UPI. Download the Challan 280 receipt for your records.
Step 7: e-Verify Your Return
This step is mandatory. Choose one of these methods:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net Banking
- Bank Account EVC
- Send signed ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru (if not e-verifying online)
Once verified, you’ll receive a confirmation via email and SMS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking Form 26AS before filing.
- Using the wrong ITR form.
- Forgetting to declare interest from savings accounts.
- Skipping e-verification.
- Filing after the due date—leads to penalties.
Benefits of Filing ITR Early
- Faster tax refunds.
- More time to revise if errors are found.
- Less server load, smoother filing experience.
- No last-minute penalty worries.
Where to Get Help?
- Use the Help Section of the Income Tax Portal.
- Call the helpline: 1800 103 0025
- Contact a tax professional or CA for complex cases.
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File ITR: File Income Tax Return FAQs
Q1. Is it mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar before filing?
Yes, as per Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act, PAN must be linked with Aadhaar.
Q2. What happens if I miss the July 31 deadline?
You can still file a belated return till December 31, 2025, but you may have to pay a late fee of up to Rs. 5,000.
Q3. Can I revise my return after filing?
Yes, revised returns can be filed before December 31, 2025, for AY 2024–25.
Q4. What is ITR-V?
It’s a one-page verification form sent to your registered email after submission. If you don’t e-verify, you must print and mail this to CPC Bengaluru.
Q5. Can I file ITR without Form 16?
Yes, you can. Use salary slips, Form 26AS, and bank statements to fill in your income details.
