With the filing season of Income Tax Return (ITR) near, numerous salaried and self-employed persons ask themselves whether they must engage the services of a Chartered Accountant (CA) to navigate the process. The good news? For most taxpayers, filing ITR online is now easier than ever, thanks to the Income Tax Department’s user-friendly e-filing portal and digital verification methods.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file your ITR without the assistance of a CA, based on the latest information from the Income Tax Department of India and trusted government sources.
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Documents
Before starting the filing process, make sure you have these documents ready:
- PAN and Aadhaar cards
- Form 16 (issued by your employer)
- Salary slips
- Bank account statements
- Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Details of capital gains, if any
- Investment proofs for tax deductions (like ELSS, LIC, PPF, etc.)
- Rent receipts, if claiming HRA
- Home loan interest certificate, if applicable
You can download Form 26AS and AIS from the TRACES website using your PAN.
Step 2: Register or Log In to the Income Tax Portal
Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal and log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and password. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register.
Step 3: Select the Applicable ITR Form
The ITR form you need depends on your income source:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh
- ITR-2: For individuals with capital gains, more than one house property, or foreign income
- ITR-3: For those with business/professional income
- ITR-4 (Sugam): For presumptive income (under sections 44AD, 44ADA, etc.)
The portal helps identify the correct form automatically based on your profile and previous filings.
Step 4: Choose Between Online and Offline Filing
You can either fill out the ITR form directly on the portal (recommended for most salaried individuals) or download the JSON utility for offline preparation and then upload it. The online method pre-fills many details, including salary, TDS, and interest income, based on AIS and Form 26AS.
Make sure to review and cross-verify pre-filled details with your actual documents.
Step 5: Declare All Sources of Income
Apart from salary, include:
- Interest from savings and fixed deposits
- Rental income, if any
- Capital gains (e.g., from stocks, mutual funds, property)
- Freelance or side gig income
- Foreign income (if applicable)
Avoid hiding income — discrepancies can lead to notices from the Income Tax Department later.
Step 6: Claim Deductions and Exemptions
Ensure you claim deductions under sections like:
- 80C: Investments in PPF, ELSS, LIC, etc. (up to ₹1.5 lakh)
- 80D: Health insurance premiums
- 80G: Donations to eligible charities
- Section 24(b): Home loan interest (up to ₹2 lakh)
Provide accurate details and retain documentary proof in case of future scrutiny.
Step 7: Preview, Validate, and Submit
Before submitting:
- Use the “Preview Return” option to review all entries
- Check for errors or missing details
- Ensure bank account details for refunds are correctly entered and pre-validated
Once verified, click on ‘Submit’.
Step 8: E-Verify Your ITR
After submission, e-verification is mandatory within 30 days to complete the process. You can e-verify using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking login
- Bank account/Demat account validation
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) (for certain taxpayers)
If you can’t e-verify online, you can send a signed physical ITR-V form to CPC, Bengaluru.
Step 9: Track Status and Respond to Notices
You can track your ITR status on the portal. If the department needs clarifications, you’ll receive a notification under the “e-Proceedings” tab. Respond promptly to avoid penalties.
Who Should Still Consider a CA?
While most salaried individuals can handle ITR filing independently, those with:
- Complex capital gains
- Foreign assets/income
- Business or professional income
- Inheritance and trust-related filings
Final Thoughts
Filing income tax returns is now easier and more transparent thanks to technological advancements. You can easily file your ITR without the assistance of an expert and without needless expense if you exercise caution and enter your data accurately.
For more information, visit the official Income Tax Department FAQ page or call the helpline at 1800 103 0025.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify all legal and financial details from official sources or consult professionals in complex tax situations.
Also Read: How to Become an IRCTC Partner?
