Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is not just a legal obligation but also proof of your income, which helps in getting loans, visas, and other financial benefits. With the Income Tax Department’s new portal, the process is now simple, fast, and fully online.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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Who should file ITR
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Documents required
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Step-by-step process for ITR filing online
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Different ITR forms explained
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How to e-verify your return
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FAQs
Who Needs to File ITR in 2025?
You must file ITR if:
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Your total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh (basic exemption limit).
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You want to claim a refund for excess TDS deducted.
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You earned from salary, freelancing, business, or investments.
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You deposited more than ₹1 crore in your bank, spent ₹2 lakh+ on foreign travel, or paid electricity bill above ₹1 lakh in a year.
Documents Required for ITR Filing
Keep these ready before you start:
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PAN card & Aadhaar card
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Form 16 (if salaried)
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Form 26AS / AIS (tax credit statement)
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Bank account details
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Investment proofs (LIC, PPF, ELSS, home loan, etc.)
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Capital gains details (if you sold shares, property, or mutual funds)
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online (AY 2025-26)
Step 1: Login
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Visit Income Tax Portal.
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Click Login → Enter PAN/Aadhaar, password, and OTP.
Step 2: Start Filing
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Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File ITR.
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Select Assessment Year 2025-26.
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Choose Online mode for easy filing.
Step 3: Select the ITR Form
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ITR-1 (Sahaj): Salary, 1 house, income ≤ ₹50 lakh.
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ITR-2: Multiple houses, capital gains, foreign income.
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ITR-3: Business/profession income.
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ITR-4 (Sugam): Presumptive business/professional income.
Step 4: Fill in Details
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Personal info (auto-filled).
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Income from salary/business/other sources.
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Deductions (80C, 80D, 80G, etc.).
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Taxes paid (TDS/advance tax).
Step 5: Preview & Confirm
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Check tax payable/refund.
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If tax is due → Pay via e-Pay Tax.
Step 6: Submit & e-Verify
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Submit return.
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e-Verify using Aadhaar OTP / Net banking / Bank EVC.
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Done ✅ – You’ll get ITR-V acknowledgment in your email.
Benefits of Filing ITR
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Avoid penalties & legal issues
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Helps in loan/credit card approval
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Useful for visa applications
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Claim tax refunds easily
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Entering wrong bank details
❌ Forgetting to e-verify (return becomes invalid)
❌ Not declaring income from savings account interest
❌ Using wrong ITR form
FAQs on ITR Filing (2025)
Q1. What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2025-26?
👉 Usually 31st July 2025, unless extended by govt.
Q2. Can I file ITR without Form 16?
👉 Yes, use Form 26AS/AIS to check your income and TDS.
Q3. What happens if I miss the deadline?
👉 You can still file a belated return, but with penalty under Sec 234F.
Q4. How long does refund take?
👉 Normally 7–45 days after e-verification.
Conclusion
Filing ITR is simple if you follow the right steps. Use the Income Tax portal, select the correct form, and verify on time. Doing so not only keeps you tax-compliant but also helps in financial growth.