How to File ITR Online — Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2025-26

The income tax department has made e-filing mandatory for most taxpayers. Filing your ITR online is a straightforward process if you have the right documents and follow the correct steps. This guide walks you through the entire process.

Documents You Need Before You Start

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card (linked with PAN)
• Form 16 (from employer) / Form 16A (for TDS on other income)
• Bank account details (savings account for refund)
• Interest certificates from banks and post office
• Investment proofs (80C, 80D, 80G, etc.)
• Home loan statement (if claiming HRA or interest deduction)
• Capital gains statements from your broker or mutual fund house
• Previous year ITR acknowledgment (for reference)

Not sure what documents apply to you? Use our document checklist tool for a personalized list.

Step 1: Determine Which ITR Form You Need

Step 2: Log In to the Income Tax Portal

1. Go to incometax.gov.in
2. Click on "Income Tax Return" under the e-File menu
3. Log in with your PAN and password (or e-filing OTP)
4. Select "File Income Tax Return"
5. Select Assessment Year: 2026-27 (for FY 2025-26)
6. Select your ITR form (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, or ITR-4)
7. Select your filing status (Individual, HUF, etc.)
8. Choose your income tax regime (Old or New)

Step 3: Fill in Your Income Details

The portal has a pre-filled option (recommended) that pulls data from Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), and TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary). Review each section carefully:

• Salary Income: Enter income from Form 16
• House Property: Rental income or home loan self-occupied declaration
• Capital Gains: Enter gains from sale of shares, mutual funds, property
• Business/Profession: For freelancers, consultants, and business owners
• Other Sources: Interest income, dividends, lottery winnings

Step 4: Claim Deductions

Enter all eligible deductions under Chapter VI-A:

• Section 80C: PPF, EPF, ELSS, life insurance, tuition fees (up to Rs 1.5 lakh)
• Section 80CCD(1B): NPS additional deduction (up to Rs 50,000)
• Section 80D: Health insurance premium (up to Rs 25,000 for self/family, Rs 50,000 for senior citizens)
• Section 80E: Education loan interest (no upper limit)
• Section 80G: Donations to approved charitable institutions
• Section 80TTA: Savings account interest (up to Rs 10,000)

Step 5: Review and File

1. Check the total tax payable or refund due
2. Verify your bank account details for refund
3. Review the complete return summary
4. Click "Submit" and choose your verification method

Step 6: Verify Your Return

An ITR is considered filed only after verification. Choose any of these methods:

1. Aadhaar OTP — Instant verification via OTP sent to your registered mobile
2. Net Banking — Verify through your bank's net banking portal
3. EVC (Electronic Verification Code) — Generate EVC through bank account or demat account
4. ITR-V Form — Print, sign, and send the ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru within 120 days

What Happens After Filing?

1. You receive an acknowledgment (ITR-V) immediately after filing
2. The return is processed by CPC Bengaluru (typically within 15-30 days)
3. Any refund due is credited to your bank account
4. You may receive an intimation under Section 143(1) confirming the processing

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong ITR form — Using ITR-1 when you have capital gains or business income leads to a defective return
• Mismatched AIS data — Verify that your reported income matches Form 26AS and AIS to avoid notices
• Not reporting all bank accounts — All savings and current accounts must be reported
• Missing foreign asset disclosure — Schedule FA is mandatory if you have foreign accounts or assets
• Choosing the wrong regime — Compare old vs new regime before selecting

Need Help Filing?

If the process seems overwhelming, you are not alone. Many taxpayers prefer CA-assisted filing to ensure accuracy, maximize deductions, and avoid notices. With SaralFiling, a qualified Chartered Accountant personally reviews your return before filing.