Think of e-filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) as your annual financial health check-up. Gone are the days of manually filling out endless forms and mailing thick envelopes to Bengaluru. For the 2025-26 tax cycle, the government’s portal has done most of the heavy lifting by pre-filling your data from your employer and bank. Whether you're a first-time filer or have been doing this for years, filing online is your way to claim refunds, carry forward losses, and build a strong credit history for future loans or visas. It’s all about verifying what the government already knows and adding the bits they don’t.

Get instant access to markets—Open Demat account

Get your Digital Folder ready

Before you even log in, gather these documents. Since the 2025 portal reconciles everything in real-time, having these handy will prevent any mid-filing panic:

PAN and Aadhaar: Make sure they are linked, or the portal won't let you proceed.
Form 16: Your salary and tax-deduction summary from your employer.
AIS & TIS: Your Annual Information Statement is like a digital diary of your shares, dividends, and interest income.
Form 26AS: To double-check that every rupee of TDS deducted has actually reached the government.
Bank Details: You'll need your bank account number and IFSC code for your refund to land in the right spot.

Choosing Your ITR Form

Choosing the wrong form is a common mistake that can lead to a Defective Return notice. Here is a quick way to know which one is yours:

Form Type

Best For...

ITR-1 (Sahaj)

Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 Lakh and one house.

ITR-2

If you sold stocks or property (Capital Gains) or have more than one house.

ITR-3

If you’re a business owner, a freelancer, or have crypto income.

ITR-4 (Sugam)

Small businesses opting for Presumptive Taxation (paying tax on estimated profit).

Find similar read: Types of ITR forms & Eligibility

How to file: A step-by-step walkthrough

The actual filing happens in a few main clicks on the official portal.

Step 1: Log In and Start

Assessment Year: Select 2025-26 (this is for income earned in 2024-25).
Mode: Select Online.

Step 2: Choose Your Status and Form

Select 'Individual' as your status. The portal will then ask you to pick a form (ITR-1, 2, etc.) or will suggest one based on your profile.

Step 3: Pick Your Tax Regime

This is the most important decision for 2025-26. The New Tax Regime is now the default.

New Regime: Lower rates but almost zero deductions (no HRA or 80C).
Old Regime: You can stay here if you have large home loans or insurance investments, but you must specifically opt-out of the New Regime.

Step 4: Verify the Pre-filled Sections

The portal will show you a few cards to verify:

Personal Info: Confirm your address and bank details.
Gross Total Income: Check if your salary and interest match your Form 16 and AIS.
Total Deductions: Add any tax-saving investments you made.
Tax Paid: Verify that all your TDS and Advance Tax are showing up.

Step 5: Preview and Submit

Click Proceed to see a summary of your return. If you owe tax, pay it now. If you're due a refund, it will show here. Click Submit.

The Final Handshake: E-Verification

Your ITR is not valid until you verify it. If you don't do this within 30 days of filing, the department will treat it as if you never filed!

Aadhaar OTP: The most popular way is just to enter the code sent to your mobile.
Net Banking: Log in to your bank and use the e-Verify link under the tax section.
Physical Mail: If all else fails, print the ITR-V, sign it, and post it to the CPC in Bengaluru.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR in 2025 is largely about validation. The government already has most of your data; they just need you to confirm it’s correct and claim any deductions you're entitled to. By choosing the right regime and ensuring your bank account is pre-validated, you make the refund process lightning-fast. Think of it as closing the books for the year so you can start the next one with a clean slate and a peaceful mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to file ITR in 2025?

For most individuals (non-audit), the deadline for income earned in FY 2024-25 is July 31, 2025. (Note: Always keep an eye out for last-minute extensions!)

Can I file without a Form 16?

Yes. You can calculate your income using your monthly salary slips and your AIS (Annual Information Statement) from the portal.

What if I realized I made a mistake after filing?

You can file a 'Revised Return' until December 31, 2025. It’s free and overrides your original mistake.

Why is my tax refund delayed?

Check if you e-verified your return and ensure your bank account is pre-validated on the income tax portal.

Which regime is better: Old or New?

The New Regime is better for most people without large investments. If you pay high rent or have a big home loan, the Old Regime might still save you more money.

Do I have to report interest from a savings account?

Yes. All interest is income. However, you can claim a deduction up to ₹10,000 under Section 80TTA.

Can I file ITR if my PAN is not linked to Aadhaar?

No. Linking is mandatory. If they aren't linked, your PAN becomes inoperative, and you won't be able to file.

What is a Nil Return?

If your income is below the taxable limit, you file a Nil Return. It’s great for getting loans and visas later.

What is the penalty for filing after July 31st?

A late fee of up to ₹5,000 will apply, though it is capped at ₹1,000 if your income is below ₹5 Lakh.

How do I know if my filing was successful?

You will receive an email and SMS with an Acknowledgement Number from the Income Tax Department.

/content/mofsl-website-adobe/fragments/pf-disclaimer