Income Tax Returns (ITR) can now be easily filed without the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA), provided your income falls under a simple category. To do this, you first need to keep some essential documents ready, such as Form 16 (if you are salaried), bank statements, investment-related documents, PAN card, Aadhaar card, and information about any other income.
Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is no longer as complex as it used to be. The government has simplified the portal and process to such an extent that ordinary salaried individuals, small business owners, or retired persons can now file their income tax returns themselves. The last date for filing ITR for the assessment year 2025-26 has now been extended to September 15, 2025. This means you still have time, and you can file your return yourself without the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA).
If you are salaried or have a simple income, filing an ITR is very easy for you. You can file the return yourself with the help of the steps given below.
Which documents to keep ready beforehand
It is essential to collect some necessary documents before filing ITR. These documents clearly state your earnings and tax information.
- Aadhaar card and PAN card
- Form 16 (if you are employed, you will receive it from your employer)
- Complete details and passbook of bank accounts
- Interest certificate from post office or bank
- Receipts of investments like Section 80C, 80D, or NPS
- Form 26AS and AIS statement (these can be downloaded from the Income Tax website)
Log in to the website
You need to go to the e-filing website of Income Tax. The link is – www.incometax.gov.in
- Click on the 'Login' option here
- Enter your PAN number in the User ID
- Log in by entering the password
If you have not registered before, register first
Choose ITR form according to your income
There is a different ITR form for each taxpayer. You have to choose the form according to your income and profession.
- ITR-1: For salaried or pensioners whose total income is less than 50 lakhs
- ITR-2: For those with capital gains or foreign income
- ITR-3: People with income from business or profession
- ITR-4: Businessmen or freelancers coming under the presumptive income scheme
After logging in to the portal, suggestions for the correct ITR form are also available, which reduces the possibility of error.
Start online filing
- After logging in to the portal, go to the 'e-File' tab
- Select 'Income Tax Return' and then click on 'File Income Tax Return'
- Select Assessment Year 2025-26
- Select online mode and then choose the ITR form
- Fill in income details (most details are pre-filled, just check and edit)
- Fill in information about investments or deductions in the tax deduction section
- If any tax has already been deducted or a refund is due, that information will also be visible
Review the return before submitting it
Carefully review the details you have filled in.
- View the entire return by clicking on 'Preview Return'
- If everything is correct, click on the 'Submit' button
- If any mistake is visible, go back and correct it
E-verify is a must
The work is not complete even after filing the return. E-verification is necessary so that the Income Tax Department can confirm that you have filed it yourself.
Options for e-verification:
- With OTP received on the Aadhaar linked mobile number
- By logging in through net banking
- From Bank Account Based EVC
- If you are unable to verify online, print ITR-V, sign it and send it to CPC, Bengaluru
E-verification must be done within 30 days, otherwise the return may be invalid.
Why the process has become easier
The Income Tax Department has made the filing process user-friendly in the past few years. Many information in the form is pre-filled on the portal. Also, reports like Form 26AS and AIS are now available online, which eliminates the need for taxpayers to calculate separately. All the information coming from banks, mutual funds, and employers is now linked to your PAN and is visible on the portal. The deadline has been extended to September 15 this time so that people do not make mistakes in haste. The special thing is that filing yourself does not involve any charges, nor do you have to rely on anyone.
