How to File Your Own Income Tax Return (ITR) in India:
A Step-by-Step Human Guide
Filing income tax returns in India used to feel like decoding an ancient script, but not anymore! With the right approach and guidance (plus a pinch of patience), you can confidently file your own ITR—no agents, no fear, and no hidden charges. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide written just for you, aiming for clarity and comfort.
Why Should You File ITR Yourself?
Knowledge is Power: Understand how your money is taxed.
Saves Money: No commissions, no consultancy fees.
Empowers You: You control the process and data.
- Step 1: Gather the Right Documents
- Before logging in, collect everything needed:
- PAN Card: Your unique taxpayer identity.
- Aadhaar Card: For verification and linkage.
- Bank Statements & Passbooks: All accounts for the past year.
- Form 16 / Form 16A: From your employer(s)—shows income and TDS.
- Other Income Proofs: Interest (Form 16A), rental, freelance, etc.
- Investment Proofs: 80C, 80D, home loan, ELSS, etc.
- Tax Payment Proofs: Advance tax or self-assessment challans.
- Tip: Create a digital folder with photos/scans of these.
- Step 2: Register or Log In on the Income Tax Portal
- Head to the Income Tax India e-filing portal.
- If new, click Register (top right) and follow the PAN-based sign-up process.
- If already registered, log in with your PAN and password.
- Forgot your password? Use the ‘Forgot Password’ link—it’s intuitive!
- Step 3: Select the Correct ITR Form
- The right form depends on your sources of income:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): Salary, one house property, other income (<₹50L).
- ITR-2: More than one house/property, capital gains.
- ITR-3/4/5 etc.: For businesses, firms, or complex scenarios.
- The portal can auto-select for you if you use ‘Online’ mode—just answer a few prompts.
- Step 4: Choose Online or Offline Filing
- Online (Recommended): For most individuals, the online form is interactive, helps autofill, and reduces mistakes.
- Offline: Download the Java utility/Excel form, fill it up, and upload. Good for advanced users.
- Step 5: Fill in Your Details—Section-by-Section
- Personal Info: Name, address, PAN, Aadhaar, bank details (for refund).
- Income Details: Salary (copy from Form 16), other income (bank interest, capital gains, rent, etc.).
- Deductions: 80C (LIC, PPF, ELSS), 80D (medical), HRA, home loan interest, NPS, etc.
- Taxes Paid: TDS, TCS, advance tax, self-assessment tax details—imported from your Form 26AS & AIS.
- Summary: The system will automatically display your tax calculation. Review carefully.
Tip: Pause, carefully double-check every section before moving to the next.
- Step 6: Validate and Check for Errors
- Click the ‘Validate’ button after each section—this catches missing fields or inconsistencies.
- Don’t rush this stage. If there are mismatches or data missing, go back and correct it now!
- Step 7: Preview, Verify, and Submit
- Preview Entire Return: The portal lets you preview your ITR before submitting.
- E-Verify: After submitting, e-verify immediately (via Aadhaar OTP, net-banking, or bank account/Demat).
- If not e-verified immediately, you must e-verify within 30 days, or your filing is invalid!
- Step 8: Save the Acknowledgement
- Once e-verified, download the ITR-V (acknowledgement) for your records. Keep this PDF safely—it’s your proof of filing.
What Happens Next?
- Refund: If due, it’s usually credited to your bank within weeks/months. Track refund status on the portal.
- Intimation: You’ll get an intimation u/s 143(1) by email/SMS confirming processing or flagging discrepancies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Typos in PAN, bank details, or Aadhaar numbers.
- Forgetting to report bank interest.
- Claiming deductions without supporting proof (in case of scrutiny).
- Not e-verifying the return.
Final Thoughts
Filing your own ITR in India is easier than you think. The portal guides you, and the process is designed for regular people—not tax pros. Give yourself a quiet hour, keep snacks handy, and celebrate a little once you’re done!
If you get stuck, use the portal’s helplinks or government helplines—they’re quite responsive. Remember, making a genuine mistake isn’t the end of the world; corrections and revisions are allowed.
Portal links : ITR returns link