How to File ITR Online: Easy Step-by-Step Guide to E-File Income Tax Return FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- May 14
- 13 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Taxpayers are required to file Income Tax Return (ITR) Online to declare the incomes, expenses, deductions such as 80C, 80D, and likewise. Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, requires taxpayers to file online ITR mandatorily if the total income exceeds the basic exemption limit. For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the IT Department has officially released Excel-based utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4, which can be downloaded from the new income tax e-filing portal. E-filing is a process of submitting your Income Tax Return (ITR) online through the new income tax portal by logging in with the PAN-based credentials. Let us explore the steps to file ITR online for FY 2024-2025 (AY 2025-2026).
Table of content
Recent Amendments Relevant to Online ITR Filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Following are the key updates related to Online ITR filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26):
Enhanced Disclosure and Validation Requirement in ITR Forms
For claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) exemption in the ITR, taxpayers are required to provide detailed information regarding the ‘Place of Work’ to prevent duplicacy in HRA claims and home loan interest deductions.
While claiming deductions under Section 80C, taxpayers are now required to disclose the policy numbers or document identification number pertaining to investments or payments made.
The taxpayers are now required to specify the exact TDS sections under which the Tax was Deducted at source while filing the ITR.
Enhanced Eligibility for ITR 1 and ITR 4 Forms
The Income Tax Department (ITD) has expanded the scope of eligibility of ITR 1 and ITR 4 forms which will allow individuals to report Long-term Capital Gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 Lakh from equity shares or mutual funds, which were restricted earlier.
Changes in Reporting Requirements
The threshold to report assets and liabilities have been increased from a gross total income of ₹50 Lakh to ₹1 Crore. This reduces the compliance burden with taxpayers below this threshold.
The new rule requires reporting proceeds from buy-back of shares as deemed dividends in ITR-2 and ITR-3 forms effective from October 1, 2024.
Extended ITR Filing Deadline
The due date for filing ITR for FY 2024-25 has been extended from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025, to accommodate structural changes in ITR forms and system readiness.
ITR Forms Update
Excel utility versions of ITR-1 and ITR-4 have been released, allowing offline filling and uploading of returns, facilitating easier compliance for eligible taxpayers.
What is ITR Filing?
Online ITR filing is the formal process through which taxpayers report their income, expenses, tax deductions, and tax payments to the Income Tax (IT) Department. By filing the ITR, the taxpayer allows the government to assess tax liability and confirm the correctness of the same. This calculation determines whether a taxpayer is liable to pay income tax or is eligible for income tax refund. Filing an ITR is mandatory for individuals and entities meeting certain income limits or other criteria under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Income Tax Return (ITR) is also a key document for financial credibility and compliance.
When is ITR Filing Compulsory?
ITR filing is compulsory if you:
Have total income exceeding the basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh for general taxpayers, higher for senior citizens).
Earn income from business or profession.
Want to claim a refund for excess tax deducted (TDS) or paid.
Have foreign assets or income.
Are required to get your accounts audited.
Are a company, firm, or other non-individual entity.
Have to carry forward losses.
Have income from capital gains, house property, or other sources.
Are subject to specific provisions like transfer pricing or international transactions.
Filing on time avoids penalties and legal complications.
What are the Benefits of Filing ITR Online?
Following are the benefits of filing ITR online:
Convenience: File your return anytime, anywhere on the official Income Tax e-filing portal or other income tax filing platform.
Speed: Online filing leads to faster processing of ITR and quicker refunds.
Accuracy: The portal’s built-in validations reduce errors and discrepancies.
Instant Acknowledgment: Receive ITR-V (ITR Acknowledgement) immediately after submission of ITR online.
Proof of Income: ITR filing is essential for loans, visas, and other financial verifications.
Easy Record Keeping: Access past returns, tax credits, and payment history online.
Eligibility Criteria for Filing ITR Online for FY 2024-25
Most taxpayers, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), firms, companies, and other entities, are eligible or required to file ITR online. Key points include:
Individuals with income above exemption limits.
Those with income from salary, business, capital gains, house property, or other sources.
Taxpayers with business income or audit requirements must file electronically.
Individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources can use simplified forms like ITR-1 or ITR-4.
List of Documents Required for Online ITR Filing
Following are the list of documents required for ITR filing online:
PAN and Aadhaar details.
Form 16 from employer(s).
Form 26AS (tax credit statement).
Bank statements and passbooks.
Details of income from salary, business, capital gains, house property, and other sources.
Proofs of investments for deductions under sections like 80C, 80D.
Loan statements for interest claims.
Details of foreign assets or income, if applicable.
Previous year’s ITR acknowledgment and tax payment challans.
Step-by-Step Process to File ITR Online for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Follow the below steps to successfully e-file ITR online for FY 2024-25:
Step 1: Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit the official portal and enter your PAN as User ID.
Input your password and captcha code.
Click ‘Login’ to access your dashboard.
Step 2: Access ‘File Income Tax Return’ tab
On the dashboard, click on ‘e-File’ > ‘Income Tax Returns’ > ‘File Income Tax Return’.
Step 3: Select Assessment Year and Mode of Filing
Choose Assessment Year 2025-26 (for FY 2024-25).
Select ‘Online’ as the mode of filing.
Choose ‘Original Return’ or ‘Revised Return’ as applicable.
Step 4: Select Filing Status
Select your status (e.g., Individual, HUF).
Click ‘Continue’.
Step 5: Choose the Correct ITR Form
Select the ITR form based on your income sources (see detailed guidance below).
Step 6: Specify Reason for Filing
Indicate why you are filing: taxable income exceeding exemption, mandatory filing, or other reasons.
Step 7: Validate Pre-filled Information
Review auto-filled details like PAN, Aadhaar, salary, bank details, and TDS.
Correct or add missing information.
Step 8: Fill Income and Deduction Details
Enter income from all sources.
Claim eligible deductions with accurate details.
Ensure TDS entries match Form 26AS.
Step 9: Preview and Validate Your Return
Preview the filled form.
Use the validation option to check for errors or missing fields.
Step 10: Submit the Return
Submit the return online.
If payment of self-assessed tax is required, complete the payment through the portal.
Step 11: E-Verify Your Return
Verify your return within 30 days to complete filing.
Methods include Aadhaar OTP, Electronic Verification Code (EVC), net banking, or sending signed ITR-V to CPC Bangalore.
How to Choose the Right ITR Form for Online Filing?
Choosing the correct Income Tax Return (ITR) form is crucial for smooth filing and compliance. The Income Tax Department has made important changes in eligibility and reporting requirements for FY 2024-25, including expanded use of simpler forms and new disclosures.
ITR-1 (Sahaj)
For resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh.
Income sources allowed: salary/pension, one house property (excluding cases with brought-forward losses), other sources (interest, etc.), and now long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh from equity shares or mutual funds under Section 112A.
Not eligible if you are a director in a company, have foreign assets or income, capital gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh, or carry forward losses under capital gains.
Enhanced disclosure requirements: taxpayers claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) must provide "Place of Work," and deductions under Section 80C require policy or document numbers.
ITR-2
For individuals and HUFs with income from capital gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh, multiple house properties, foreign assets or income.
Also used by those who cannot file ITR-1 or ITR-4 due to complex income sources.
Requires detailed reporting of capital gains split before and after July 23, 2024, as per Budget 2024 amendments.
Reporting of buy-back proceeds as deemed dividends (effective October 1, 2024) is mandatory here.
ITR-3
For individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession.
Includes taxpayers with income under presumptive taxation but exceeding limits for ITR-4.
Requires detailed reporting of business income, capital gains (split by date), and foreign assets.
Must specify TDS section codes for all tax deducted at source.
ITR-4 (Sugam)
For resident individuals, HUFs, and non-LLP firms with presumptive business income up to ₹50 lakh.
Now expanded to allow LTCG up to ₹1.25 lakh from equity shares or mutual funds.
Suitable for those with income from salary, one house property, other sources, and presumptive business income.
Enhanced validation rules for deductions and HRA claims apply.
ITR-5
For firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, artificial juridical persons.
Requires reporting of capital gains split, buy-back losses, and TDS section codes.
Includes new provisions for cruise business taxation under Section 44BBC.
ITR-6
For companies other than those claiming exemption under Section 11 (charitable/religious trusts).
ITR-7
For persons including trusts, political parties, and other entities required to file returns under special provisions.
Key Updates to Consider When Choosing the Form:
Expanded eligibility for ITR-1 and ITR-4: Taxpayers with LTCG up to ₹1.25 lakh can now use these simpler forms.
Mandatory disclosure of TDS section codes in ITR 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Capital gains reporting split before and after July 23, 2024, due to revised tax rules.
Increased asset and liability reporting threshold raised to ₹1 crore gross total income.
New reporting requirements for buy-back of shares as deemed dividends in ITR-2 and ITR-3.
Use actual Aadhaar number only (not enrolment ID) for filing in applicable forms.
Selecting the correct form based on your income profile and these updated criteria ensures accurate filing, faster processing, and reduces chances of notices or rejections by the tax department.
How to Upload Documents and Income Details Online?
While the Income Tax Department does not require uploading physical documents during ITR filing, taxpayers must enter accurate income and deduction details supported by their documents such as Form 16, Form 26AS, bank statements, and investment proofs.
The process involves:
Logging into the e-filing portal.
Selecting the appropriate ITR form or uploading the validated JSON/XML file generated from the Excel utility.
Filling in income details, deductions, and tax payments as per your documents.
Carefully entering details like TDS section codes, policy numbers for deductions, and “Place of Work” for HRA claims as mandated in the updated forms.
Verifying all entries before submission.
Physical or scanned documents are not uploaded but should be retained safely for future verification or audit purposes.
How to e-Verify Your ITR After Filing?
E-verification is a mandatory step to complete your ITR filing. Without e-verification, your return is considered invalid and will not be processed.
You can e-verify your ITR through:
Aadhaar OTP: Receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Net Banking: Log in to your bank’s net banking portal and select the e-verify option under the Income Tax section.
Electronic Verification Code (EVC): Generated via bank account, demat account, or ATM.
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For companies and professionals.
Sending Signed ITR-V: If you cannot e-verify electronically, send the signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC), Bengaluru within 30 days of filing.
E-verification ensures quicker processing and refund disbursal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR Online
Incorrect PAN or Aadhaar details: Ensure these are accurate and linked.
Mismatch in TDS details: Cross-check Form 26AS with your ITR entries.
Choosing the wrong ITR form: Use the updated eligibility criteria to select the correct form.
Missing mandatory disclosures: Such as “Place of Work” for HRA or policy numbers for deductions.
Not e-verifying the return: Leads to return being invalid.
Incorrect bank details: May delay refunds.
Ignoring capital gains reporting requirements: Especially the split before and after July 23, 2024.
Filing after the due date: Can attract penalties.
Careful attention to these details can prevent notices and delays.
How to File Revised ITR Online, If Needed?
If you discover any errors or omissions after filing your original return, you can file a revised return before the end of the relevant assessment year or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.
Steps to file a revised return:
Log in to the e-filing portal.
Select ‘File Income Tax Return’ and choose ‘Revised Return’ as the filing type.
Enter the acknowledgment number and date of the original return.
Correct the errors or add missing information.
Submit and e-verify the revised return.
Revised returns can be filed multiple times within the prescribed time limit.
Is it Safe to E-file ITR Online?
Yes, e-filing ITR on the official Income Tax Department portal is safe and secure. The portal uses advanced encryption and security protocols to protect taxpayer data. Additionally:
Your login credentials are confidential.
The portal provides secure payment gateways for tax payments.
E-verification adds an extra layer of authentication.
The system generates acknowledgments and tracks filing status.
Always ensure you use the official website (incometax.gov.in) and avoid third-party sites to protect your information.
What Happens After Filing Your ITR Online?
After filing and e-verifying your ITR:
The Income Tax Department processes your return.
If your tax paid exceeds your liability, a refund is initiated.
If there is a tax due, you may receive a notice to pay the balance.
Your ITR is scrutinized for any discrepancies or mismatches.
You can track processing status and refund on the e-filing portal.
In case of any issues, the department may send notices or request additional information.
Timely and accurate filing helps avoid delays and penalties.
How to Obtain Income Tax Return (ITR) Copy Online after Filing?
You can download your filed ITR copy anytime from the Income Tax e-filing portal:
Log in using your PAN and password.
Go to ‘My Account’ > ‘View Filed Returns’.
Select the relevant assessment year.
Download the ITR-V (acknowledgment) and the filed return in PDF format.
The ITR-V is digitally signed by the department and serves as proof of filing.
Keep these documents safely for future reference, loan applications, or tax assessments.
Conclusion
Filing your Income Tax Return online for FY 2024-25 has become more streamlined with updated forms, enhanced Excel utilities, and extended deadlines. Understanding the eligibility, choosing the right form, preparing accurate details, and following the step-by-step filing and e-verification process ensures compliance and smooth processing of your return.
Given the extension of the ITR filing deadline to September 15, 2025, taxpayers have additional time to prepare and submit their returns accurately. Filing within this period may also result in a higher interest payout on eligible tax refunds, as interest accrues for a longer duration under Section 244A. However, early filing remains advisable to facilitate faster processing, reduce the risk of last-minute errors, and allow time for revisions if necessary.
FAQs
1. Who is required to file Income Tax Return for FY 2024-25 even if their income is below the exemption limit?
Apart from those whose taxable income exceeds the basic exemption limit, certain individuals must file ITR regardless of income. This includes taxpayers who have deposits exceeding ₹50 lakh in savings accounts or ₹1 crore in current accounts, gross sales turnover above ₹60 lakh, professional income over ₹10 lakh, electricity bills exceeding ₹1 lakh, TDS/TCS above ₹25,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens), foreign assets or signing authority in overseas accounts, or foreign travel expenses over ₹2 lakh during the financial year.
2. What are the major changes in ITR forms for FY 2024-25?
Key updates include expanded eligibility for filing simpler forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for taxpayers with long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh, mandatory disclosure of TDS section codes, split reporting of capital gains before and after July 23, 2024, increased asset reporting threshold to ₹1 crore, and new reporting requirements for buy-back proceeds as deemed dividends effective October 1, 2024.
3. How do I know which ITR form I should file?
You can determine the correct ITR form based on your income sources and residential status. For example, ITR-1 is for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh and limited capital gains, ITR-2 for individuals with capital gains above ₹1.25 lakh or foreign assets, ITR-3 for business or professional income, and ITR-4 for presumptive business income up to ₹50 lakh. The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal offers a “Help me decide” tool to assist taxpayers in choosing the right form.
4. What documents are required to file ITR online?
Essential documents include PAN and Aadhaar details, Form 16 (salary TDS certificate), Form 26AS (tax credit statement), bank statements, proofs of investments and deductions under sections like 80C and 80D, loan interest certificates, details of capital gains, foreign assets or income if any, and previous year’s ITR acknowledgment.
5. Can I file my ITR offline using Excel utilities?
Yes, the Income Tax Department releases updated Excel utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 each year. These tools allow taxpayers to fill in their details offline, validate them, generate JSON/XML files, and upload these on the e-filing portal. For FY 2024-25, Excel utilities incorporate new compliance requirements such as reporting LTCG and detailed deduction disclosures.
6. How do I e-verify my ITR after filing?
E-verification is mandatory to complete filing. You can e-verify via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, Electronic Verification Code (EVC) generated through bank or demat account, or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Alternatively, you can send a signed physical copy of the ITR-V acknowledgment to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) Bengaluru within 30 days of filing.
7. What common mistakes should I avoid while filing ITR online?
Avoid errors such as incorrect PAN or Aadhaar details, mismatch between TDS details and Form 26AS, choosing the wrong ITR form, missing mandatory disclosures like “Place of Work” for HRA claims, not e-verifying the return, incorrect bank details, ignoring capital gains reporting rules, and filing after the due date to avoid penalties.
8. How can I file a revised ITR if I find errors after submission?
You can file a revised return before the end of the relevant assessment year or before completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. Log in to the e-filing portal, select ‘Revised Return’, enter the original return’s acknowledgment number and date, correct the errors, submit, and e-verify the revised return.
9. Is it safe to file ITR online?
Yes, filing ITR on the official Income Tax Department portal is secure. The portal uses encryption and secure payment gateways. Always use the official website and avoid third-party sites to protect your data. E-verification adds an additional layer of security.
10. What happens after I file my ITR online?
After filing and e-verifying, the Income Tax Department processes your return. If excess tax is paid, a refund is issued. If tax is due, you may receive a demand notice. You can track the status on the e-filing portal. The department may also send notices for discrepancies or further information.
11. How can I obtain a copy of my filed ITR online?
Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal, go to ‘My Account’ > ‘View Filed Returns’, select the assessment year, and download the digitally signed ITR-V acknowledgment and the filed return in PDF format. These documents serve as proof of filing.
12. How do I file my ITR using TaxBuddy?
TaxBuddy is a popular online tax filing platform that offers expert assistance:
Register or log in on the TaxBuddy website.
Fill in your basic details such as PAN, Aadhaar, name, and email.
Upload or provide income and deduction documents as requested.
A tax expert reviews your information and prepares a draft ITR for your approval.
After your confirmation, TaxBuddy files your return with the Income Tax Department.
You receive the acknowledgment and post-filing support for any notices.
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