How to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) online?

The due date for filing income tax return is 31st July. If you have all your documents in place, you can now file your tax return online, as all the ITR forms are accessible online at the income tax department’s e-filing website (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in). Please note that only ITR 1 SAHAJ and ITR 4 SUGAM can be filled via the fully online process. In this post, let us take a look at how to file your income tax return (ITR) online.

How to file your income tax return (ITR) online?

Follow the below steps and file your return online.

Step 1

To file your return online, you need to register yourself on the income tax department's website. You need to fill your PAN number, name and date of birth and choose a password. Once your registration is complete, you can log in to your account with your user ID and password. Your permanent account number will be your user ID.

Step 2

You need to select requisite ITR form on the basis of the source of your income.

Step 3

Keep the documents ready such as PAN card, Form-16, Form-16A, statements of all bank accounts or passbooks, interest income statement for fixed deposits, Form 26AS, investments proof under Section 80C, home loan details and interest certificates, stock trading statement, advance tax payment challan, medical insurance receipts, etc. Click here to read: Documents needed while filing tax returns in India.

Step 4

There are two ways you can file your tax return online.

1. Partially offline process

2. Fully online process.

Partially Offline Process

1. Visit e-filing website www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

2. Go to the download section and click on “IT Return Preparation Software” option.

3. Download the requisite form for the relevant assessment year.

4. Save the ITR form on your computer and fill all the details.

5. Prepare the ITR using the downloaded software.

6. Login to the e-filling website with your Id and password.

7. Go to “e-file” and click on “Income Tax Return” option.

8. Next screen, you need to select assessment year, ITR Form number, Filing Type and submission mode. Here select submission mode as “Upload XML”.

9. Select an option to verify your income tax return. Click on “Continue” tab.

10. Upload the ITR XML file from your computer.

11. Upload digital signature, if applicable.

12. Now click on the “Submit” button.

Fully Online Process

1. You have to go to the e-filling website www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

2. Login with your Id and password.

3. Go to “e-file” and click on “Income Tax Return” option.

4. Next screen, you need to select assessment year, ITR Form number, Filing Type and submission mode. Here select submission mode as “Prepare and Submit Online”. (Please note that only ITR 1 and ITR 4 can be filled online). Click on “Continue” tab.

5. Fill all the details and click on “Preview & Submit” button.

6. Upload digital signature, if applicable.

7. Now click on the “Submit” button.

Step 5

On successful submission of your ITR form, an acknowledgment number is generated if the return is submitted using the digital signature. Your tax return filing process is complete. Just preserve this number.

An ITR-V is generated if the return is submitted without digital signature. ITR-V will also be sent to the registered email. The ITR-V form should be printed, signed and submitted to the CPC within 120 days from the date of e-filing. Check your emails/SMS for reminders on non-receipt if ITR-V.

Step 6

You can e-verify your return through electronic verification by using the e-verify return option on the website. You can also use Net banking, Aadhaar OTP, pre-validated bank account, bank ATM and pre-validated Demat account to e-verify your return. E-verification eliminates the need to send ITR-V to CPC.

Hope now you will be able to file income tax return (ITR) online easily.

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