Feeling overwhelmed by Income Tax Returns (ITR)? Don't worry, this guide will walk you through filing your ITR online in India, even if you're a complete beginner. We'll aim to get it done in about 10 minutes!
Table of contents [Show] Step 1: Accessing the Income Tax Portal | Open your favorite web browser and search for "INCOME TAX LOGIN." Click on the official Income Tax Department website (incometax.gov.in). |
| If you've used the website before, enter your PAN card number and password to log in. | |
| New users will need to register first. Click on "Register" and fill in your basic details. Once registered, you'll receive a User ID and password. | |
Step 2: Logging In and Selecting ITR Form | Use your PAN as the User ID and enter your password. |
| You'll likely receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to log in. | |
| Once logged in, you'll see your dashboard with basic information like PAN, Aadhaar number, and registered mobile/email. | |
| Now, let's file your return for the financial year ending March 31st, 2023 (Assessment Year 2023-24). | |
| Click on "File Now" and choose "Online" as the filing mode. | |
Step 3: Choosing Your ITR Form | Click on "Start New Filing." The system might prefill some information. |
| Select your taxpayer status – for most individuals, it will be "Individual." | |
| Now, it's crucial to choose the correct ITR form. The Income Tax department offers several forms - | |
| ITR 1 (Sahaj): This is for salaried individuals and pensioners with income from salary, interest, and house property. | |
| ITR 2: This is for salaried individuals with income from capital gains (stocks, mutual funds) or business income. | |
| Since this guide focuses on a quick and easy process, we'll assume you're using ITR 1 (Sahaj). | |
Step 4: Filling the ITR 1 Form (Three Steps) | Here comes the actual form filling. Make sure you have documents like Form 16 (salary breakup), house rent receipts, and investment receipts (LIC, etc.) handy. |
| You'll see three steps to complete the form. | |
| Step 1: Personal Information: Fill in your basic details. | |
| Step 2: Income Details: Enter your annual income from salary, interest, and house rent. | |
| Step 3: Deductions & Taxes: Claim deductions for investments and other eligible expenses. Enter any tax deducted at source (TDS) and calculate your final tax liability. | |
Step 5: Verification and Submission | Once you've filled all sections, carefully review the information for any errors. |
| Click on "Submit" and then verify the details again. | |
| This is your chance to make any corrections before final submission. | |
| Finally, click on "Agree" to complete the ITR 1 filing process. |
Important Note:
| Remember, filing your ITR on time is essential. There are penalties for late filing, so don't wait until the last minute! |
