Step-by-step guide
How to File an Income Tax Return (ITR) in India
Filing your income tax return accurately and on time lets you claim refunds, carry forward losses and maintain a clean record for loans, visas and tenders. Returns are filed online on the income-tax e-filing portal.
Documents and information you will need
- PAN and Aadhaar (linked)
- Form 16 from your employer, if salaried
- Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary
- Bank interest certificates and statements
- Capital gains statements from brokers and mutual funds
- Rental income details and home-loan interest certificates
- Proof of deductions and investments
Step-by-step process
- Collect and reconcile your information. Download AIS and Form 26AS and compare them with your own records. Many notices arise from mismatches here.
- Choose the correct ITR form. The form depends on your type of income, such as salary, house property, business or capital gains.
- Compute income and tax. Total your income under each head, apply deductions and exemptions available under the regime you choose, and compute tax and interest.
- Pay any balance tax. Pay self-assessment tax through the online challan before filing.
- Fill and submit the return. Complete the form on the portal or offline utility, review the pre-filled data and submit.
- Verify the return. E-verify within the time allowed using Aadhaar OTP, net banking or other methods; an unverified return is not treated as filed.
- Track processing. Monitor the processing status, refunds and any intimation from the department.
Frequently asked questions
What if I miss the due date?
A belated return may be filed within the time allowed, usually with a late fee and interest, and some losses may not be carried forward.
Should I choose the old or new tax regime?
It depends on your income and deductions; compute tax under both before deciding.
Note on legislation
India is moving to the new Income-tax Act; confirm current forms and rules for the year you are filing.
This guide is general information based on the rules as we understand them at the time of writing. Forms, fees and procedures change; confirm current requirements or ask our team before acting.
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