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The Income Tax Department recently extended the last date of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), giving taxpayers a little extra time to complete the process. If you still haven’t filed your return, you can easily do it online without the help of an agent. The online filing system is user-friendly, and with the right documents in place, the process hardly takes much time. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you file your ITR efficiently.
Step by Step Process to File ITR Online
- Step 1: Open the official website of the Income Tax Department – incometax.gov.in.
- Step 2: On the homepage, you will see a blue navigation bar. From there, select the ‘e-File’ option.
- Step 3: In the drop-down menu, click on ‘Income Tax Returns’ under the ‘e-File’ tab.
- Step 4: Now, select the relevant Assessment Year and choose the Mode of Filing as ‘Online.’ For the ongoing return cycle, select Assessment Year 2024-25.
- Step 5: Next, under Status Applicable, pick the right option from Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or Others.
- Step 6: Choose the correct ITR Form as per your income category. There are different forms like ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, etc. for various income groups such as salaried individuals, business income, and others.
- Step 7: You will be asked to select the reason for filing your return – for example, if you are filing because your income is above the taxable limit or to claim a refund.
- Step 8: Fill in personal details such as name, PAN, Aadhaar, total income, exemptions, deductions, and tax paid so far. Ensure accuracy to avoid corrections later.
- Step 9: Verify all the entered details and cross-check the tax computation.
- Step 10: Complete the filing by e-verifying your return, which is a crucial step. You can e-verify through Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank Account EVC, or Digital Signature. Without this step, your ITR will not be considered valid.
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Documents Required for ITR Filing
Before you begin, keep the following documents ready for a smooth filing process:
- Form 16/16A or Form 26AS to confirm TDS deductions.
- Salary slips to validate your income.
- House Rent Agreement if you are claiming HRA benefits.
- Investment proofs (such as LIC premium, PF, ELSS, etc.) for claiming deductions under various sections.
- Bank account details and statements for income and refund purposes.
- Foreign income statements if you have overseas earnings.
- Previous ITR details if you filed in earlier years.
Final Word
Filing income tax returns is no longer a hectic process. With most of the system online, taxpayers can complete it from home in just a few minutes. Make sure to keep all your financial documents ready, choose the correct ITR form, and complete the e-verification process to ensure a hassle-free filing. Filing on time not only saves you from penalties but also helps in quick processing of refunds.
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About the Author:
Chirag Pandey
Chirag Pandey – Content & Prompt Writer
I am a skilled content writer with a knack for creating clear, engaging, and research-driven content. With expertise in data science and biotechnology, simplifies complex topics into compelling articles, blogs, news and story.A cricket enthusiast and strategic thinker and, Passionate about storytelling and SEO, I delivers content that informs and captivates readers.
