Your Essential Guide to Stress-Free ITR Filing in 2025

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial annual responsibility for every eligible citizen in India. While it may seem complicated, the government's online e-filing portal has made the process much more accessible. This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step approach to filing your ITR online for the Assessment Year 2025-26.

Remember, filing accurately and on time is essential to avoid penalties and stay compliant. If you need expert assistance, your Digital Saathi at Kaagaz Mitra is here to manage the entire process for you.

Documents Required for ITR Filing

Before you begin, make sure you have the following documents handy:

PAN Card: Your Permanent Account Number is mandatory.
Aadhaar Card: Required for e-verification.
Form 16: Your employer provides this TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) certificate.
Bank Account Statements: To ascertain interest income and for account details.
Proof of Investments: For claiming deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, etc. (e.g., PPF, ELSS, insurance premiums).
Form 26AS: To verify the TDS deducted by your employer or others.

Step-by-Step Guide to e-Filing Your ITR

Step 1: Register and Login to the e-Filing Portal

Visit the official Income Tax Department e-filing website. If you're a first-time user, you'll need to register using your PAN number. Otherwise, log in using your PAN as the User ID and your password.

Step 2: Select the Correct ITR Form

Navigate to 'e-File' > 'Income Tax Return' > 'File Income Tax Return'. You will need to select the Assessment Year (e.g., 2025-26) and the mode of filing (Online). The portal will help you select the correct ITR form based on your income sources. For most salaried individuals, this is ITR-1 (Sahaj).

Step 3: Fill in Your Details

The form comes pre-filled with most of your personal information and salary details (from Form 16). You must verify these details and enter other income sources like interest income. Then, claim your eligible deductions.

Step 4: E-Verify Your Return

After you submit your return, the process is not complete until you verify it. E-verification is the most convenient method. You can do this using:

Aadhaar OTP
Net Banking
Bank Account EVC

You must complete the verification within 30 days of filing your return.

Tax Filing Made Easy with Kaagaz Mitra!

Feeling stuck with tax calculations and complex forms? A small error can lead to a notice from the Income Tax Department. Let our experts handle your ITR filing accurately and on time.

Contact Your Digital Saathi Now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the due date for filing ITR for individuals?

For individual taxpayers whose accounts are not required to be audited, the due date for filing Income Tax Return is typically July 31st of the assessment year.

What happens if I miss the ITR filing deadline?

If you miss the due date, you can file a belated return. However, it may attract a late filing fee under section 234F and you might lose the ability to carry forward certain losses.

Is it necessary to file ITR if my income is below the taxable limit?

Even if your income is below the taxable limit, it is advisable to file a 'Nil Return'. An ITR receipt is a crucial document for loan applications, visa processing, and claiming tax refunds.