How to File ITR Online - Step by Step Guide to E-file Income Tax Return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that enables a taxpayer to declare his income, expenses, tax deductions, investments, taxes, etc. The Income-tax Act, 1961 makes it mandatory for a taxpayer to file an income tax return under various scenarios. 

E-filing refers to the process of filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) online. By accessing the new income tax portal using PAN-based login credentials, individuals can take advantage of a range of features that simplify the tax filing process. 

In this article we will understand how to file ITR in 8 simple steps!

Steps on How to E-file ITR on the Income Tax Portal

Step 1: Login

• .

Step 2: Go To ‘File Income Tax Return’

• Click on the 'e-File' tab > 'Income Tax Returns' > ‘File Income Tax Return’
   

Step 3: Select The Right ‘Assessment Year’

• Select ‘Assessment Year’ as ‘AY 2025-26’ if you file for FY 2024-25. 
• Select the filing type correctly as original return or revised return.

Step 4: Select The Status

Select your applicable filing status: Individual, HUF, or Others.

For filing of persons like you and me, select 'Individual' and 'Continue'.

Step 5: Select ITR Type

• The taxpayer must first ascertain which ITR form they must fill out before filing returns. 
• There are a total of 7 ITR forms available, of which ITR 1 to 4 is applicable for Individuals and HUFs. 
• For example, individuals and HUFs without income from business or profession but with capital gains can use ITR 2.

Step 6: Choose the Reason For Filing ITR

In the following step, you will be prompted to specify the reason for filing your returns. Select the appropriate option that is applicable to your situation:

• Taxable income is more than the basic exemption limit
• Meets specific criteria and is mandatorily required to file ITR
• Others

Step 7: Validate, Confirm, and Submit

• Most of the personal details, such as your PAN, Aadhaar, Name, Date of birth, contact information, and bank details will be pre-filled. Validate these details carefully before you proceed further. 
• Also, provide your bank account information. If you have already provided these details, ensure they are pre-validated.
• As you proceed step by step, ensure to disclose all relevant income, exemptions, and deduction details. 
• Most of your information will be pre-filled based on the data provided by your employer, bank, etc. Review the information carefully to ensure it is correct. 
• Confirm the summary of your returns, validate the details and make the payment of balance taxes, if any.

Step 8: E-Verify ITR

• The last and crucial step is to verify your return within the time limit (30 days). Failing to verify your return is equivalent to not filing it at all. 
• You have the option to e-verify your return using different methods such as Aadhaar OTP, electronic verification code (EVC), Net Banking, or by sending a physical copy of ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru.

You can calculate your taxes by using ClearTax calculator.

When is it mandatory to file ITR?

• ITR for individuals is mandatory only if their income is above basic exemption limit.
• There are also other criteria, satisfaction of which ITR filing is mandatory.
  • Expenditure on foreign travel being more than Rs. 2 lakh (or)
  • Electricity consumption of Rs.1 lakh or more (or)
  • Deposit above Rs.1 crore in one or more current accounts (or)
  • Business receipts exceed Rs.60 lakhs (or)
  • Professional receipts exceed Rs.10 lakhs (or)
  • TDS and TCS amount exceeds Rs.25,000 (or)
  • In the case of a resident whose asset is located outside India or who has signing authority for an account-based account outside India, ITR filing becomes mandatory.

Benefits of Filing ITR

It is always a good idea to file your ITR even if you are not eligible due to the benefits.

• Filing of ITR creates a valid proof of income or net worth
• ITR is required for applying for any loan in the future
• ITR is required by banks even for applying credit cards
• ITR is required for VISA applications, etc.
• ITR is required for obtaining Term insurance
• ITR is required for obtaining government tenders
• Hence it is advisable to file ITR even if your income is below the basic exemption limit.

Documents Required for Filing ITR

 The following documents/information are required for e-filing their ITR:

• PAN and Aadhaar
• Bank Statements
• Form 16
• Donation receipts
• Stock trading statements from the broker platform
• Insurance policy paid receipts related to life and health
• Bank account information linked to PAN
• Aadhaar registered mobile number for e-verifying the return
• Interest certificates from banks

However, you can e-file your ITR on Cleartax by just adding your PAN. We will auto-fill most of your details, like salary income, TDS, deduction details, etc, from the Income Tax Department. 

How to Get an Income Tax Return Copy Online?

• Step 1: Log on to incometaxindiaefiling.com with credentials
• Step 2: Click on View Returns/ Forms
• Step 3: Selection an option as “Income tax returns” and the relevant assessment year and click on submit
• Step 4: A window displaying a list of ITR filed will open.
• Step 5: Click on ITR-V acknowledgement number you want to download
• Step 6: ITR V PDF file will open which can be downloaded.

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