Income Tax e-filing Login - A Complete Guide to ITR Login Portal India

Introduction

The Income Tax eFiling Portal is an essential tool for taxpayers in India, allowing them to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) online. The portal provides a secure, fast, and user-friendly interface for individuals and businesses to manage their taxes. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, a tax professional, or an organization, understanding how to log in and navigate the portal is crucial for filing ITR correctly. This guide will take you through the prerequisites, registration process, and step-by-step procedures to log in and file returns for FY 2025-26.

Prerequisites for the Registration of the Income Tax Login

Before registering on the Income Tax eFiling Portal, ensure you have:

1. PAN Number (Personal Identification Number)
2. Valid email address and mobile number
3. Aadhaar Number (for Aadhaar-based login)
4. Bank details for tax payments or refunds
5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) (if applicable)

These are required for smooth registration and further login.

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What is the Process and procedure to register on the Income Tax Portal?

If you have never filed a tax return or logged in before, you need to first register on the portal. This is a simple, one-time process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register:

Step 1: Go to the Website. Open your web browser and go to the official Income Tax e-filing portal: www.incometax.gov.in.

Step 2: Start Registration. On the homepage, click the "Register" button.

Step 3: Select Your Status. The system will ask who you are. For most people, you will select "Taxpayer" and click "Continue".

Step 4: Enter PAN. Enter your 10-digit PAN (which is your User ID) and click "Validate". If your PAN is valid, the system will move to the next page.

Step 5: Fill Basic Details. Enter basic details like your Name, Date of Birth, Gender, etc., exactly as they are on your PAN card. Click "Continue".

Step 6: Fill in Contact Details. Enter your Primary Mobile Number and Email ID. The system will ask if these are your own or if they are linked to your Aadhaar or Bank account. Choose the correct option. Click "Continue".

Step 7: Verify with OTP The portal will send two separate 6-digit OTPs: one to your mobile number and one to your email ID. Enter both OTPs in the given boxes and click "Continue".

Step 8: Set Your Password. Finally, you will be asked to set a strong password. It must be between 8 and 14 characters, and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character. You will also set a "Personalized Message"—this message will be shown every time you log in to confirm that you are on the right government website.

Step 9: Complete Registration. Click "Register". A success message will appear, and you are now a registered user! You can use your PAN (User ID) and the new password to log in.

Procedure to Log In to the Income Tax Portal for E-Filing

Once you are registered, logging in to your account is the first step before you can file your ITR or check your tax details.

Step-by-Step Guide to Log In using Password:

Step 1: Go to the Portal. Visit the official e-filing portal: www.incometax.gov.in.

Step 2: Click Login. Click the "Login" button in the top right corner of the page.

Step 3: Enter User ID. Enter your User ID. For individuals, this is usually your PAN number. Click "Continue".

Step 4: Check Security Message. A secure access message page will appear. Check to make sure that the Personalized Message you set during registration is displayed correctly. This confirms you are on the genuine government website.

Step 5: Enter Password. Tick the box next to the Personalized Message to confirm. Then, enter the password you created during registration. Click "Continue".

Step 6: Check for Aadhaar Link Pop-up (Important for FY 2025-26). If your PAN is not yet linked with your Aadhaar (which is mandatory now), a pop-up message will appear. The system may ask you to link them right away. If you have already linked them, or if you choose to do it later (though not recommended), you will proceed to the next step.

Step 7: Access the Dashboard. After a successful login, you will land on your Dashboard. This is the main page from where you can file your ITR, check your past returns, and manage your profile.

Log in using Aadhaar OTP (including the case where e-Filing Vault Higher Security option is enabled).

You can also log in without a password by using a one-time password sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar card.

What is e-Filing Vault Higher Security? This is an extra layer of protection you can set up on your account. If you enable this, the system will always ask for a second way to confirm it’s you, even after entering your password. Aadhaar OTP is one such way.

Option A: Logging in with Password and Higher Security (Aadhaar OTP)

Step 1 & 2: Go to Login, enter your User ID (PAN), and check the Secure Access Message.

Step 3: Enter your password and click "Continue".

Step 4: Because you have set a Higher Security option, the system will now show options like "Aadhaar OTP", "Net Banking", etc. Select "Aadhaar OTP".

Step 5: Click "Generate OTP". The system will send a 6-digit OTP to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Step 6: Enter the OTP in the box and click "Login".

Option B: Logging in Only with Aadhaar OTP (Single Factor)

If you have selected "Aadhaar OTP Login" as the main single-factor login method in your profile settings:

Step 1: Go to the Login page and enter your User ID (PAN).

Step 2: Select "Get OTP" (instead of Password).

Step 3: The system will confirm if you agree to validate your Aadhaar details. Click "Agree" and then "Generate Aadhaar OTP".

Step 4: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click "Login".

Income Tax Login Through the Net Banking Portal

Many people find it easy to log in to the e-filing portal directly through their bank's Net Banking website. This method is very secure because the bank has already confirmed your identity.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Bank's Website. Go to the official website of the bank where you have an account, and Net Banking is activated.

Step 2: Log in to Net Banking. Log in to your Net Banking account using your bank's User ID and Password.

Step 3: Find the Tax Option. Look for the "Tax" or "e-filing" section on your bank's website. This link is usually found under the main menu or the Bill Pay/Services section.

Step 4: Click the Income Tax Portal Link. Click on the option that says "e-filing" or "Income Tax e-filing Portal".

Step 5: Automatic transfer. Your bank will automatically redirect you to the Income Tax e-filing portal. The system will use your bank login to verify your identity.

Step 6: Arrive at the Dashboard. You will be logged in successfully and taken straight to your e-filing Dashboard. You do not need to enter your PAN or e-filing password in this process.

Note: This method works only if your bank account is linked to your PAN, and the bank is one of the partners authorized by the Income Tax Department for this service. This is a very secure and fast way to access the portal.

Login using Bank Account / Demat Account EVC (when e-Filing Vault Higher Security option is enabled)

The Electronic Verification Code (EVC) is a 10-digit code commonly used to verify your ITR. However, when the e-Filing Vault Higher Security is enabled, you can also use a newly generated EVC to log in.

What is EVC? It is a temporary code you can generate through a validated Bank Account or Demat Account linked to your PAN.

Prerequisites: You must have pre-validated and EVC-enabled your Bank Account or Demat Account on the e-filing portal beforehand. This means the contact details on the e-filing portal should match the details with your bank/Demat company.

Step-by-Step Guide (Higher Security Enabled):

Step 1 & 2: Go to Login, enter your User ID (PAN), and check the Secure Access Message.

Step 3: Enter your password and click "Continue".

Step 4: The Higher Security page will appear. Select either "Bank Account EVC" or "Demat Account EVC" and click "Continue".

Step 5: Generate EVC. The system will ask if you already have an EVC or if you want to generate a new one.

• If you don't have one, select "Generate EVC".
• The EVC (10-digit code) will be instantly sent to your mobile number and email ID that are linked and verified with your Bank/Demat Account.

Step 6: Enter EVC. Enter the EVC you just received into the box and click "Login".

Step 7: Dashboard Access The system will verify the code, and you will be taken to your e-filing Dashboard. This method adds a very strong layer of security to your account.

Log in using DSC (when e-Filing Vault Higher Security option is enabled)

A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a physical, pen drive-like device that proves your identity online. It is often used by companies and people whose accounts need to be audited, but anyone can use it for logging in with higher security.

Prerequisites:

1. You must have a valid and active Class 2 or Class 3 DSC USB Token.
2. You must have already registered your DSC on the e-filing portal.
3. The "emSigner" utility software must be downloaded and running on your computer.

Step-by-Step Guide (Higher Security Enabled):

Step 1 & 2: Go to the Login page, enter your User ID (PAN), and check the Secure Access Message.

Step 3: Enter your password and click "Continue".

Step 4: The Higher Security page will appear. Select "Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)" and click "Continue".

Step 5: Select Certificate. The system will ask you to select the DSC certificate that you have plugged into your computer. Select the correct certificate and click "Continue".

Step 6: Enter DSC Password. A pop-up will appear, asking you to enter the PIN/Password for your DSC USB Token. Enter the password and click "OK" or "Sign".

Step 7: Successful Login. The system will verify your digital signature. If the DSC is valid and registered with your account, you will be successfully logged in and taken to your e-filing Dashboard.

Login for other than taxpayers (CA, ERI, External Agency, TAN users, ITDREIN users)

The Income Tax portal is not just for individuals. Other users like Chartered Accountants (CA), E-Return Intermediaries (ERI), and businesses also have to use it. Their login process is similar, but their User ID is different.

1. Chartered Accountants (CA) and E-Return Intermediaries (ERI):

• User ID: Their User ID is their Membership Number (for CA) or their ERI User ID.

• Login Process:

  • Step 1: Go to the Login page.
  • Step 2: Enter their specific User ID (Membership Number or ERI ID) and click "Continue".
  • Step 3: Check the Personalized Message and enter their password.
  • Step 4: They often use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for a higher level of security to log in, especially while filing returns for their clients.

2. TAN Holders / Tax Deductors and Collectors:

• TAN: This stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. Businesses or people who deduct tax (TDS) use this number.

• User ID: Their User ID is the TAN number.

• Login Process:

  • Step 1: Go to the Login page.
  • Step 2: Enter the TAN number as the User ID and click "Continue".
  • Step 3: Enter their password and log in.

3. ITDREIN Users:

• ITDREIN: This is a unique number for entities reporting special financial transactions.
• User ID: Their User ID is the ITDREIN number.
• Login Process: Same steps as above, using ITDREIN as the User ID.

How to Reset the Login Password of the Income Tax E-filing?

Forgetting your password is very common! Luckily, the Income Tax portal has many ways to help you reset it easily and securely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Password:

Step 1: Go to the Login Page. Visit the e-filing portal and click "Login".

Step 2: Enter User ID and 'Forgot Password.' Enter your User ID (PAN) and click "Continue". Then, click the "Forgot Password" link.

Step 3: Select Reset Option. The system will ask you to select a method to reset your password. You have several options, but the most common are:

• Option A: Aadhaar OTP (Easiest)

  1. Select "Aadhaar OTP" and click "Continue".
  2. Click "Generate Aadhaar OTP".
  3. Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click "Verify".
  4. If the OTP is correct, the "Reset Password" page will appear.

• Option B: e-Filing OTP

  1. Select "e-Filing OTP" and click "Continue".
  2. You will receive two separate OTPs: one on your registered mobile number and one on your registered email ID.
  3. Enter both OTPs and click "Verify".
  4. The "Reset Password" page will appear.

Step 4: Set New Password On the "Reset Password" page, enter your new strong password (remember the 8-14 character rule with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). Enter it again to confirm.

Step 5: Click "Submit". A message will confirm that your password has been reset successfully. You can now log in with your new password.

Conclusion

The Income Tax e-filing portal makes filing taxes convenient and secure for individuals, businesses, and tax professionals. By understanding the login process, including Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, and Digital Signature Certificates (DSC), taxpayers can easily access their accounts and file their ITR. Following the step-by-step guides will ensure a smooth filing experience for the Financial Year 2025-26.