How To Open JSON File in Income Tax Portal
- Nimisha Panda
- Jul 15
- 7 min read
"JSON" is one of the key terms when it comes to filing income tax returns. Web applications can send structured data using a text-based file format called JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation. Because it is an easy-to-read data structure, it is more convenient to work with and offers greater clarity. You can utilise it without any problems, even if you're not a tech-savvy user. You will learn how to open JSON files and other relevant information in this post. Let us dig deep into the process with this detailed guide.
Table of Contents
What is a JSON File in the Income Tax Portal?
JavaScript Object Notation is referred to as JSON. Being a lightweight data-interchange format, this format can be easily read, written, and comprehended by both machines and humans. Data transmission between a server and a web application is its main function. JSON files may include information about your tax returns, Form 26AS, or other pertinent financial data when it comes to income tax. Any basic text editor may open this human-readable format. Before moving unstructured data to a web application or website, most people utilise JSON files to read data from a server, store it, and make the necessary changes with the appropriate authorisations.
Steps To File ITR Using JSON
Step 1: Access the e-filing website and use an offline utility to compile your ITR.
Step 2: Enter your login information, click the "e-File" option on the e-Filing Dashboard, choose "Income Tax Return" from the list of alternatives, and then click "File Income Tax Return."
Step 3: Click "Continue," choose "Offline," and choose the necessary filing type and assessment year.
Step 4: Next, upload the JSON file. (It will be validated by the IT website.)
Step 5: Click Proceed to Verification when validation is successful. Proceed with filing your ITR after that.
Step 6: You can now e-verify your return (e-verification must be completed within 30 days of filing your ITR). The simplest method to confirm your ITR is through e-verification. Compared to sending a signed physical ITR-V copy to CPC via Speed Post, it is quicker, paperless, and safer.
Step 7: A confirmation email with your confirmation number and ITR acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you registered.
Steps To Open a JSON File in Excel
Step 1: Start by opening an Excel file, either fresh or old, and selecting the Data tab.
Step 2: Under the new query drop-down box, pick ‘From file’ and ‘From text’.
Step 3: Go to the JSON file on your system at the initial location and change the file type.
Step 4: Click on the JSON file after selecting "All files" instead of "Text file."
Step 5: To import the necessary file data into an Excel sheet, click the "Import" button.
Step 6: Next, select the "Get data" tab on the Excel sheet to open the power query editor window.
Step 7: Select "Ok" after clicking the "To table" option.
Step 8: Click the "Square box icon" next to "Columns" once the Power Query editor has reloaded. You can deselect any column to suit your needs if you'd like.
Step 9: All of the records in your JSON file are now visible to you. Next, select "Close and load" as the first option.
Step 10: Lastly, you will see that the Excel sheet now has the data sets uploaded.
Steps To Open a JSON File in PDF
Step 1: Get any software that converts PDFs.
Step 2: To convert, upload a JSON file.
Step 3: Select "Convert," and the PDF file will be downloaded in a matter of seconds.
Steps to Download JSON Offline Utility
Step 1: Go to the e-Filing Income Tax portal's official website and select the "Downloads" option from the dashboard. Choose the Assessment Year.
Step 2: To download the ITR 1 to ITR 4 utility, select the required option. (Start the utility and install it.)
Step 3: You can access the "Homepage" after installation.
Step 4: Select the "Continue" menu. You can simply file your ITR for the relevant assessment year after being redirected.
Tips for Working with JSON Files
Before making any changes, always make a copy of the original JSON file.
To avoid issues, always make sure you have the most recent version of the utility program used to convert JSON files through the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Exercise caution when entering private or sensitive information when utilising online conversion tools. Always put security first and make use of reliable platforms.
Conclusion
JSON files are now essential for digital data transfer, notably for the IT Department, due to their efficient and concise nature. For storing temporary data, JSON files are ideal since they are simple to analyse. Using this file format to store and share data over a web network is convenient. Thus, you can attach a JSON file with all the required data when submitting your income tax returns, and the relevant official will receive it. Never forget to prioritise accuracy and security when handling financial data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JSON in the income tax portal?
Your prepared ITR is generated in the offline utility using the JSON file format, which is also used when you download or import your pre-filled return data.
What is the benefit of using the JSON file format in an offline utility?
JSON is a lighter and faster format for data storage and transmission compared to XML files.
Can I convert a JSON file into a different format (PDF or Excel) for easier viewing or printing?
Yes, you can use internet converters or specialised data conversion software to convert a JSON file to an Excel or PDF file.
Is filing limited to using JSON files exclusively?
If you file your ITR offline, JSON is the file format required. On the other hand, JSON preparation is not required for online filing, providing freedom in how tax information is submitted through the IT portal.
How to open a JSON file of income tax using browser extensions?
Browser add-ons such as "JSONView" for Google Chrome or "JSONView" for Firefox can be quite useful for people who usually work with JSON files. These extensions make JSON easier to read and comprehend by formatting and highlighting it when viewed within the browser.
How to download a JSON file from the portal?
Taxpayers can search and download e-Invoice JSON for a specified time period using the For Period tab. Click the DOWNLOAD (JSON) button after choosing the required fields for FY and Month. A bulk e-invoice JSON download for the chosen month and fiscal year will be made available to the taxpayer.
Is JSON the new standard for income tax return submission?
Yes. Starting Assessment Year 2021–22, the Income Tax Department replaced the older Excel/XML format with JSON-based utilities for most ITR forms, enhancing accuracy and integration with the portal.
What software do I need to open a JSON file?
To view or work with a JSON ITR file, use the official Income Tax JSON offline utility available on the e-filing portal. Opening it in a text editor will only show code.
How do I import a JSON file in the offline utility?
After downloading the utility, launch it and select "Import JSON" from the menu. Locate and select your saved JSON file; the utility will populate the return fields with the data.
Can I upload a JSON file generated from third-party tax apps?
Only if those apps follow the official schema set by the IT Department. Otherwise, the portal may reject them due to structural or validation mismatches.
Why does my JSON file fail to upload despite using the official utility?
Check if you’ve used the correct AY utility, filled in mandatory details like PAN, and selected the correct return type. Errors in these fields can lead to upload rejection.
Is there a size limit for uploading JSON files on the portal?
There is no strict size limit, but very large files (with many income sources, deductions, or annexures) may lead to browser timeouts. Using a stable connection and updated browser helps.
Can I use JSON files from one computer on another?
Yes, JSON files are portable. You can transfer them between systems or email them for review or upload on another device.
Why is the portal asking for a JSON when I already filled the form online?
This prompt appears if you chose to file using the offline mode but haven’t uploaded your saved JSON file. The portal separates online and offline workflows.
Can I edit a JSON file directly in a text editor to fix errors?
No. Editing JSON manually is risky and can corrupt the file. Use the offline utility to make changes and export a new JSON file.
What happens if I import an outdated JSON file in the utility?
The utility will prompt for an update or throw schema validation errors. JSON structures change yearly, so use the latest utility matching your file's AY.
Can JSON files be used for filing revised returns?
Yes. Open the previously saved JSON file, change the filing type to "Revised Return," make necessary edits, and re-export it for upload.
Is the JSON utility compatible with all ITR forms?
Most common forms like ITR-1 to ITR-4 are supported. Forms requiring audit reports or additional schedules (like ITR-6 or 7) may have additional formats or requirements.
How do I know if my JSON file has missing or invalid data?
The utility highlights incomplete sections or invalid fields when you click "Validate." Fix all red-flagged entries before exporting.
Do I need to generate a new JSON file every time I make an edit?
Yes. Each change requires re-validation and export to a new JSON file to ensure consistency with the utility’s schema.
Can I use the JSON file next year for filing ITR again?
No. Each AY has its own utility and schema. While some static info (like name, PAN) can be reused, the JSON file itself is not forward-compatible.
Related Posts
See AllFiling income tax returns accurately is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance with Indian tax laws. Mistakes in the original return can happen, but taxpayers have remedies through re
Comments