Income Tax Returns (ITR) Online

How to File Income Tax Returns (ITR) Online?

Learn the step-by-step process to file your income tax returns online, key documents required, and tips for hassle-free tax filing.

2025-05-04

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Income Tax Return simply involves a form which you utilise to enter information of your yearly earning and other details and submit to the department. This includes income from salary, profit in business, sale of house or property, dividend or capital gains and interest received among others. Each taxpayer has to pay tax on the basis of the yearly income. If you have paid tax in excess during a year, the money is refunded back to you by the Income tax Department.

Table Of Content:

Is Filing ITR Compulsory for all Indians?

Income Tax rules dictate that if you earn more than the limit that is exempted from being taxed by the Government, you are compulsorily required to file your tax return according to the tax slabs for each year. Filing your ITR post the due date may attract a penalty and also become a deterrent in getting a loan or visa approved in the future.

Filing Income Tax Return is a compulsory or everyone, with a few exceptions:

  • For individuals below 60 years of age with gross total income of less than Rs 2.5 lakhs (before claiming any deductions), do not require filling an ITR.
  • In case of resident senior citizens (aged between 60 to 80 years), this limit is Rs.3 lakh and Rs.5 lakh for super senior citizens (aged above 80) resident in India.
  • Senior Citizens aged 75 years and above with only pension income and interest income are not required to file return of income.

The due date for filing your income tax returns is 30th December 2024. As we know, the government has introduced a new portal for income tax return filing. For taxpayers, the major concern is income tax return filing on the new Income Tax Portal. Many taxpayers are finding it confusing. However, the new Income Tax Portal is very easy and convenient to use.

Currently, there are different to file your income tax returns on the new Income Tax Portal.

Who Is Not Required to File ITR?

As per the Old Tax Regime, these are the exceptions:

  1. Individuals below 60 years of age with a gross total income of less than ₹2.5 lakhs (before claiming any deductions) are not required to file an ITR.

  2. Resident senior citizens (aged 60 to 80 years) with a gross total income below ₹3 lakhs are exempt.

  3. Super senior citizens (aged 80 and above) with an income below ₹5 lakhs are also exempt.

  4. Senior citizens aged 75 years or above, having only pension income and interest income from the same bank, are exempt from filing ITR if the bank deducts TDS under Section 194P.

As per the New Tax Regime, these are the exceptions:

  1. Individuals with total income (before deductions) below ₹3 lakhs are exempt from tax and hence, not required to file ITR.

  2. If total income after rebate under Section 87A (i.e., net income up to ₹7 lakhs) results in zero tax liability, filing is not mandatory, but recommended if you want to:

    • Claim a refund
    • Carry forward losses
    • Use ITR as proof of income

Note: Even under the new regime, senior citizens do not have any additional exemption thresholds. The same income limits apply as for non-senior citizens.

The due date for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) is 31st July 2025, for individual taxpayers not subject to audit. India’s Income Tax Department has streamlined the online filing process through its e-Filing portal  www.incometax.gov.in. The portal is user-friendly and offers guided filing options to make return submission easier, even for first-time users.

Currently, there are different ways to file your income tax returns on the new Income Tax Portal.

Ways in Which a User Can File Income Tax Returns

There are two different ways to file the Income Tax Returns for the FY 2024-25:

  1. Online mode
  2. Offline mode

Online Mode:

Here are the steps involved in online mode:

  • Step 1. Login to the Income Tax e-Filing portal, using PAN and login details

  • Step 2. On Income Tax Return Page, select your ITR Form Number and file your income tax return online.

  • Step 3: After filing your Income Tax Return, you must e-verify it within 30 days. Do this by proceeding towards e-Verifying your Income Tax Return.

  • Step 4: The e-Verification process can be done using any of the following modes:

    1. Aadhaar OTP: Linked Aadhaar and mobile number required.
    2. Net Banking Login: Via authorised banks integrated with the IT portal.
    3. Pre-validated Bank Account: Electronic Verification Code (EVC) sent to your registered mobile/email.
    4. Pre-validated Demat Account: EVC sent via depository.
    5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Mandatory for certain categories (e.g., companies).
       
  • Step 5. After verifying and submitting your Income Tax Return, view your submitted ITR form on the My Account > e-Verify Return option or by sending signed ITR-V to CPC.

  • Step 6. Finally, you can view your uploaded Income Tax Returns.

Offline Mode:

If you prefer to file your Income Tax Return offline, you can use the Income Tax Department’s Common Offline Utility (COU):

  • Step1: Download COU: Go to the  Income Tax e-Filing portal and download the applicable ITR utility under “Downloads > IT Return Preparation Software”.

  • Step 2: Fill Details Offline: Enter the necessary data offline in the utility.

  • Step 3: Generate JSON File: After filling, validate all sections and generate a .json file (not XML).

  • Step 4: Upload on the Portal.

    • Log in to the e-Filing po
    • Upload the generated JSON file under “Income Tax Return”.

  • Step 5: E-Verify Your Return: Complete verification via Aadhaar OTP, bank account, or other options. If not e-verified, send a signed ITR-V to Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500

Note: Java/Excel utilities and XML uploads are no longer supported for ITR filing.

Step-by-step Guide on How to File Income Tax Returns Online

Here is the stepwise process for filing Income Tax Returns Online:

S. No.FunctionSteps
1.Login to the e-filing portal
  • Step-1. Login to the Income Tax e-Filing portal, using PAN and login details.
  • Step-2. Select the 'e-File' menu and go to the “Income Tax Return' link.
2.Navigate Income Tax Return PagePAN will be auto-populated:
  • Select 'Assessment Year'
  • Select 'ITR Form Number'
  • Select 'Filing Type' as 'Original/Revised Return'
  • Select 'Submission Mode' as Prepare and Submit Online Click “Continue”.
3.ITR FilingRead all the instructions carefully and accordingly fill in all the applicable and mandatory fields of the Online ITR Form.
4.E-verification of income tax filing

Here are the steps to e-verify ITR Filing:

Step-1: Select the right Verification type in the 'Taxes Paid and Verification' tab.
Step-2: Tick any one of the following options to e-verify the Income Tax Return:

  • I would like to e-Verify.
  • I would like to e-Verify later within 120 days from the date of filing.
  • I don't want to e-Verify and would like to send signed ITR-V through normal or speed post to "Centralized Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru - 560 500" within 120 days from the date of filing.

Step-3: Click on the 'Preview and Submit' button,
Step-4: Carefully verify all the details entered in the ITR.
Step-5: Click the “Submit” button.
Step-6: Now, select the 'I would like to E-Verify' link.  You must e-verify your ITR within 30 days of filing, or your return will be treated as invalid. You can e-Verify ITR through any of the following modes:

  • Aadhaar OTP: Linked Aadhaar and mobile number required.

  • Net Banking Login: Via authorised banks integrated with the IT portal.

  • Pre-validated Bank Account: Electronic Verification Code (EVC) sent to your registered mobile/email.

  • Pre-validated Demat Account: EVC sent via depository.

  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Mandatory for certain categories (e.g., companies).

Step-7: Now quickly enter EVC/OTP within 60 seconds. Otherwise, your Income Tax Returns will be auto-submitted. In that case, you will have to verify your submitted ITR later by using the 'My Account > e-Verify Return' option.

5.View uploaded income tax returnFinally, you can view your uploaded Income Tax Returns

Documents Required To File ITR

It is very important to keep all the required documents ready while the income tax filing process.

Here are the key documents that you will need while online return filing:

  1. Bank and post office savings account passbook,
  2. PPF account passbook
  3. Salary slips
  4. Aadhar Card
  5. PAN card
  6. Interest certificates from the banks and the post office
  7. Form-16: TDS certificate which your employer issues to you to provide details of your salary paid to you and TDS deducted on the same:
    • Form-16A: This is needed if TDS is deducted on payments other than salaries e.g. interest received from FD, RD, etc.
    • Form-16B: This is needed in case you have sold a house property, showing the TDS deducted on the amount paid to you by the buyer.
    • Form-16C: This is required from your tenant, for providing the details of TDS deducted on the house rent he has paid to you.
  8. Form 26AS: This is the consolidated income tax statement. It mentions details about all the taxes deposited against your PAN:
    • TDS deducted by your employer
    • TDS deducted by banks
    • TDS deducted by any other organisations from payments made to you
    • Advance taxes deposited by you
    • Self-assessment taxes paid by you
  9. Tax saving investment proofs
  10. Proofs for claiming tax deductions u/s 80D to 80U (i.e. on health insurance premium for self and family and interest on education loan)
  11. Home loan statement from your bank.

  12. Annual Information Statement (AIS): Summarises your income, investments, and TDS in one place. Downloadable from the income tax portal.

  13. Capital Gains Statement: Required if you’ve traded in stocks, mutual funds, or property. Usually available from your broker or AMC.

  14. Form 10E: Mandatory if you’re claiming relief under Section 89(1) for salary arrears or advance.

  15. Rent Receipts: If claiming HRA (under the old regime).

  16. Foreign Income Details: If you're a resident and earned income abroad (for disclosure purposes).

  17. Donation Receipts: If you’re claiming a deduction under Section 80G.

Note: Always cross-verify all TDS entries from Form 26AS and AIS to ensure no income is missed in reporting.

Benefits of ITR Filing Online

Although you can file your income tax returns in offline mode as well, there are some benefits of ITR filing online. Here are the benefits of ITR filing online:

  • Claiming a Tax Refund - If you have paid excess tax through TDS or advance tax, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is mandatory to claim a refund, whether under the old or new tax regime. Most taxpayers are required to file ITRs online, making it the fastest and most efficient way to receive refunds directly into your bank account.
  • Proof of Income- If you are a businessperson or self-employed, online income tax return filing will serve as your Proof of Income, since Form-16 is available only for salaried taxpayers.
  • Processing of Loans - If you apply for a home loan or vehicle loan or any other loan, the banks demand copies of the latest income tax returns filed to judge your sources of income.
  • Claiming Losses - Online income tax return filing is mandatory if you wish to claim certain losses for an individual taxpayer, such as losses from capital gains, business, or profession. Besides, it also helps you track losses that you can claim in the future.
  • VISA Application - If you are planning to migrate for a job or conduct business tours, immigration authorities demand copies of the latest income tax returns filed. The online income tax return filing ensures the smooth processing of VISA applications.

How to Download Income Tax Return?

It is important to know how to file ITR timely. The best way to avoid a last-minute rush or a penalty is to download your income tax return filing. As soon as you file your ITR, the income tax verification form ITR-V is generated by the IT department. You must download ITR-V so that you can verify the validity of income tax filing. Here are the steps involved:

  1. Step 1: Log in to the  Income Tax e-Filing portal.

  2. Step 2: Click on “e-File” > “Income Tax Returns” > “View Filed Returns”.

  3. Step 3: You’ll see a list of ITRs filed for various assessment years.

  4. Step 4: Click on the Acknowledgement Number of the relevant return.

 

  1. Step 5: Choose to download either:

    • “ITR-V” (if return is not yet e-verified)
    • “Return Receipt/Acknowledgement” (if return was already e-verified)
    • These are password-protected PDF files. The password is your PAN (in lowercase) followed by your date of birth in DDMMYYYY format.

(E.g., If PAN = asdfp1234k, and DOB = 10/04/1990, password = asdfp1234k10041990)

How to Check ITR Status Online?

After income tax return filing and e-verification of income tax filing, the status of your tax return shows as 'Verified'. After the processing is done, the status becomes 'ITR Processed'. There are 2 ways to know the status of your ITR is Verified or Processed:

Without Login

  • Go to www.incxometax.gov.in .

  • Click on “ITR Status” in the quick links section on the homepage.

  • Enter:

  • Your PAN

  • Acknowledgement Number

  • Captcha code

  • Click Submit to view your return status.

With Login

  • Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.

  • Go to “e-File” - “Income Tax Returns” - “View Filed Returns”.

  • Choose the relevant Assessment Year.

  • The return status (e.g., Verified, Processed, Defective, etc.) will be displayed.

Note: After processing, if you’re eligible for a refund, the status will update to “Refund Issued” and can be tracked on the same page.

How to File Income Tax Returns Offline?

The Income Tax Department provides a Common Offline Utility (COU) for taxpayers who prefer preparing their Income Tax Returns offline. This method is especially useful for those filing detailed or complex returns or who simply prefer to work without a continuous internet connection. Here are the steps involved in the offline ITR filing process:

  1. Step 1: Download the Offline Utility
    • Visit the  Income Tax e-Filing portal.
    • Go to Downloads - IT Return Preparation Software.
    • Download the appropriate utility based on your ITR form and system requirements.
  2. Step 2: Set Up the Utility
    • Extract the ZIP file.
    • Launch the utility from the extracted folder (commonly in .exe or .jar format).
  3. Step 3: Fill in Your Details
    • Complete all mandatory and applicable fields in the utility.
    • Use the “Validate” button to check each section.
    • Click “Calculate Tax” to compute your tax liability or refund.
  4. Step 4: Generate JSON File
    • After completing the form, click “Preview” to review your entries.
    • Then click “Generate JSON” to save your return file in the required format.
  5. Step 5: Upload the JSON File
    1. Select the correct assessment year and ITR form, then upload the .json file.
  6. Step 6: e-Verify Your Return
  • Choose one of the following e-verification methods:
    • Aadhaar OTP
    • EVC via Pre-validated Bank Account
    • EVC via Pre-validated Demat Account
    • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – mandatory for certain categories, like companies
  1. Step 7: View Your Filed Return

Once submitted, you can track your return under: e-File - Income Tax Returns - View Filed Returns.

Note: You can also download pre-filled XML after login into the e-Filing portal. You can access this from 'My Account > Download Pre-Filled XML'. Now, you shall import the XML file to the utility for prefilling the personal and other details.

All those residing within India have to pay tax on their income to the Government of India as per the Income tax rules and regulations. Whether you are an individual, association or a firm, LLP, local authority or a Hindu undivided family, your income for each financial year is taxed in accordance with Income Tax laws. Hence, filing your Income Tax return (ITR) on an annual basis is important.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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