You can file your income tax return yourself on the official e-filing portal in about 30–60 minutes if your income is mainly salary and interest. Here is the full process, from documents to e-verification.
Before you start: keep these ready
- PAN linked with Aadhaar, and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for the OTP).
- Form 16 from your employer.
- Bank interest certificates, and statements for any FD or savings interest.
- Capital gains statements from your broker or mutual fund (if you sold shares or funds).
- Proofs for deductions you will claim under the old regime (80C, 80D, home loan certificate, rent receipts).
Step 1: Check AIS and Form 26AS
Log in at incometax.gov.in and open the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS. They show the salary, interest, dividends, share sales and TDS the department already knows about. Your return should match them – mismatches are the most common reason for notices.
Step 2: Choose the right ITR form
| Form | Who uses it (broadly) |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, interest and other sources, and limited long-term gains on listed shares/equity funds |
| ITR-2 | Individuals with capital gains beyond ITR-1 limits, more than one house, or foreign income/assets – but no business income |
| ITR-3 | Individuals with business or professional income |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive business or professional income |
The portal’s questionnaire suggests the right form. Eligibility rules are updated each year, so read the form’s instructions for your assessment year.
Step 3: File the return
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return.
- Select the assessment year and “Online” mode.
- Choose the ITR form. Most details are pre-filled from AIS and Form 16.
- Check every pre-filled figure. Add income that is missing (for example, savings interest).
- Choose your tax regime and enter deductions if you use the old regime. Compare both first with the income tax calculator.
- Review the tax computation. If tax is payable, pay it online through e-Pay Tax and the challan details are added automatically.
- Submit.
Step 4: E-verify within 30 days
A return is complete only after verification. The quickest way is an Aadhaar OTP. You can also verify through net banking or a pre-validated bank account. If you do not verify within 30 days of filing, the return can be treated as not filed.
Deadlines
- Most salaried individuals: 31 July after the end of the financial year (unless extended).
- Missed it? A belated return can still be filed later in the year, with a late fee and loss of some benefits, such as carrying forward certain losses.
- Made a mistake? File a revised return before the yearly deadline.
After filing
- Track refund status on the portal under Refund/Demand Status.
- You will get an intimation under the processing section by email. If it shows a demand you disagree with, respond online.
- Received a notice? Read our income tax notice guide.