Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR Online in 2025
- PRITI SIRDESHMUKH
- Oct 4
- 10 min read
Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) online in 2025 is now a streamlined and secure process, thanks to updates in the Income Tax portal. With the last date set for September 15, 2025, individual taxpayers must ensure accurate reporting of income, deductions, and bank account details to avoid penalties and delays in refunds. The portal now offers pre-filled forms, stepwise guidance, and improved e-verification options, making compliance easier than ever. TaxBuddy further simplifies this process by providing a guided, error-free experience for both self-filers and those seeking expert assistance.
Table of Contents
Current Filing Deadlines and Latest Updates
For FY 2024-25, individual taxpayers without audit requirements can file their ITR until September 15, 2025. Businesses requiring audits have an extended deadline of October 31, 2025, while transfer pricing cases must file by November 30, 2025. Belated returns can still be filed until December 31, 2025, though penalties apply. These extensions provide taxpayers extra time to gather documentation, verify TDS credits, and ensure error-free filing.
Mandatory Documents and Prerequisites for ITR Filing
Before starting the filing process, ensure you have:
Having these ready reduces errors, ensures accurate income reporting, and facilitates smoother refunds.
Register/Login at Income Tax Portal
To file your ITR, visit the Income Tax e-filing portal. First-time users must register using their PAN. Existing users can log in using PAN, password, and OTP-based verification. The portal provides access to forms, pre-filled details, and previous filings, enabling seamless filing.
Starting the ITR Filing Process
After logging in, select “e-File” and choose “Income Tax Return”. Confirm your assessment year as FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) and select the filing mode—online or offline utility. TaxBuddy users can also directly upload Form 16 or JSON files via the app for simplified filing.
Selecting Assessment Year, Mode, and Filing Status
Ensure the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 is selected. Choose the filing mode:
Online filing: Directly fill the return on the portal.
Offline utility/JSON file: Download the relevant ITR utility, fill details, and generate a JSON file for upload.
Next, select the filing status: individual, HUF, company, partnership, or trust, as applicable.
Choosing the Correct ITR Form for Your Income
Choosing the correct ITR form is a critical step in the income tax filing process, as using an inappropriate form can lead to rejections, notices, or delays in processing refunds. Each ITR form is designed to capture specific types of income and taxpayer profiles, so understanding which form applies to your situation is essential for accurate reporting and compliance.
ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, is suitable for salaried individuals, pensioners, and those with income from a single house property. It is a simple form designed for taxpayers with straightforward income sources, making the filing process quick and efficient.
ITR-2 is meant for individuals who have more complex income sources, such as capital gains from the sale of assets, income from multiple house properties, or foreign assets and income. This form captures additional details and disclosures that are not included in ITR-1.
ITR-3 is intended for professionals and business owners who need to report income from a proprietary business or profession. It accommodates income from both business operations and professional activities, along with deductions and expenses relevant to these sources.
ITR-4, known as Sugam, is applicable for taxpayers who opt for the presumptive income scheme under sections 44AD or 44ADA. It simplifies the reporting of income for small businesses and professionals by allowing them to declare income at a prescribed percentage of turnover or gross receipts, reducing the need for detailed bookkeeping.
Selecting the correct form ensures compliance, avoids errors, and reduces the risk of receiving notices from the Income Tax Department, making the filing process smoother and faster.
Filling Personal and Bank Account Details
Start by entering all essential personal details accurately. This includes your full name, date of birth, PAN (Permanent Account Number), and Aadhaar number, as these are critical for identification and linking your tax records. It is important to ensure that your PAN and Aadhaar are correctly matched, as mismatches can lead to processing errors or delays. Next, provide your bank account information where any tax refund should be credited. This requires entering your account number, type of account, and the IFSC code accurately. Double-checking these details is crucial because any errors can result in failed refunds or delays. TaxBuddy’s platform offers an intuitive interface to guide users through this process, verifying the correctness of account numbers and IFSC codes to minimize errors and ensure a seamless refund experience.
Reporting Income and Claiming Deductions
For salaried individuals or pensioners, enter the salary or pension income exactly as mentioned in your Form 16 issued by your employer or pension authority. This ensures that all TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is accounted for and matches the records of the Income Tax Department. For other sources of income, include details such as interest earned from savings accounts, fixed deposits, or recurring deposits; rental income from property; capital gains from the sale of assets or securities; and any business or professional income if applicable. Proper reporting of all income sources is essential to avoid mismatches that could delay refund processing or trigger notices.
Claiming deductions is the next step to reduce taxable income. Make sure to include all eligible exemptions under provisions such as Section 80C (investments in life insurance, PPF, ELSS, etc.), Section 80D (health insurance premiums), Section 80E (education loan interest), and others. Keep all supporting documents ready, including receipts and certificates, as these may be required in case of verification by the Income Tax Department. TaxBuddy simplifies this process by auto-verifying TDS details, eligible deductions, and exemptions to ensure accuracy, reducing the risk of errors and helping taxpayers maximise refunds.
Tax Computation and Payment of Dues
When filing an Income Tax Return (ITR), the Income Tax e-filing portal is designed to automatically compute the tax liability based on the income declared and the deductions claimed under various sections of the Income Tax Act. This includes deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, 80E, and exemptions applicable to salaried individuals, HUFs, and businesses. It is crucial for taxpayers to carefully verify all the pre-filled details in the ITR utility or JSON file, including income from salary, interest, capital gains, house property, and other sources. Any discrepancies or missing information should be corrected before submission to avoid errors in tax computation or mismatches with Form 26AS.
If the tax computation indicates that additional taxes are payable, taxpayers can make the payment using multiple convenient options, such as net banking through authorized banks, UPI-based payment methods, or by generating a challan through the e-payment portal and paying at designated bank branches. For those eligible for refunds, it is essential to ensure that the correct bank account details, including IFSC code and account number, are provided in the return. Any mistakes in bank information can lead to delays in receiving refunds.
E-Verification of ITR
Once the ITR is successfully submitted, it is mandatory to e-verify the return to complete the filing process. Without e-verification, the return is treated as invalid, and the Income Tax Department will not process it. There are several methods available for e-verification, offering flexibility and convenience to taxpayers.
One method is Aadhaar OTP, where taxpayers receive a one-time password on their registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar. This OTP is then entered on the e-filing portal to verify the ITR instantly.
Net banking-based verification is another widely used option. Taxpayers can log in to their net banking accounts with authorised banks and e-verify their return directly through the e-filing portal without needing any physical documents.
Bank account-based verification allows taxpayers to generate a pre-validated Electronic Verification Code (EVC) sent to their registered bank account, which can then be used to complete the e-verification process.
Additionally, taxpayers holding demat accounts can use their demat account-linked EVC to e-verify their ITR.
Ensuring timely and accurate e-verification is critical, as only verified returns are considered valid for processing refunds, assessing tax dues, or maintaining compliance records. Failure to verify can lead to the return being treated as unfiled, potentially attracting penalties or interest on outstanding taxes.
Downloading Acknowledgment and Records
After successfully filing and e-verifying your Income Tax Return (ITR), it is essential to download the ITR-V acknowledgment from the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. The ITR-V serves as the official confirmation that your return has been submitted and accepted by the tax authorities. Retaining digital copies of this acknowledgment is crucial for future reference, including for income tax assessments, audits, or any scrutiny proceedings. Along with the ITR-V, it is also important to keep copies of all supporting documents used while filing the return, such as Form 16, bank statements, TDS certificates, and investment proofs. Organizing these records systematically can save time and prevent confusion during future tax verifications or when claiming refunds. Many taxpayers also maintain a separate folder or cloud-based storage for these documents to ensure they are accessible whenever required. Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of records reduces the risk of queries or discrepancies in the future.
Common Bank Account Queries While Filing ITR
Selecting the correct bank account is critical while filing an ITR because all refunds, if applicable, are credited directly to this account. It is important that the bank account is active and correctly linked to your PAN. Any discrepancy between your PAN-linked bank account and the account mentioned in the ITR may lead to refund failures or delays. Always verify the IFSC code carefully, as it must match your bank’s official listing. This ensures that electronic transfers, including refunds, are routed accurately. Taxpayers should also remember that only one account can be selected for receiving refunds per return; multiple accounts cannot be linked to a single ITR. Avoid using accounts that are closed, dormant, or non-operational, as this may result in the Income Tax Department rejecting the refund transaction. Double-checking these details before submission is a simple step that can prevent common refund-related errors and ensure that any refund due is received seamlessly and on time.
Tips for Error-Free ITR Filing in 2025
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) accurately requires careful preparation and the right tools. Start by using the updated ITR utilities provided by the Income Tax Department or a reliable platform like the TaxBuddy mobile app. These utilities come with pre-filled forms that automatically capture essential data, reducing the risk of manual entry errors and making the filing process faster and more convenient.
Next, verify all TDS details in Form 26AS before starting the filing process. Ensuring that your tax deductions are correctly reflected in this statement prevents mismatches, which are one of the most common reasons for delays or notices from the Income Tax Department.
It is also important to double-check your personal details, including PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account information. Incorrect or mismatched information can lead to processing delays, failed refunds, or notices, so accuracy is crucial.
Keeping organized digital copies of all relevant income and investment documents, such as salary slips, interest certificates, rent receipts, and investment proofs, ensures you have supporting evidence if required for verification.
Finally, avoid last-minute filing. Filing near the deadline can lead to system slowdowns due to heavy traffic on the e-filing portal, which may increase the chances of errors or technical issues. Planning and filing early provides ample time to review and correct mistakes, ensuring a smooth and timely filing experience.
Conclusion
Filing ITR for FY 2024-25 is now more streamlined with extended deadlines, updated utilities, and the option to use JSON files or platforms like TaxBuddy. Timely and accurate filing ensures compliance, faster refunds, and avoids penalties. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Q1. Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options?
TaxBuddy provides both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing. Taxpayers can choose the self-filing option for a guided, step-by-step process using the TaxBuddy platform, while expert-assisted plans allow professionals to review and file returns on behalf of the taxpayer, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR?
While multiple platforms are available for ITR filing, TaxBuddy is widely recognized for its secure, user-friendly interface and AI-driven guidance. It supports both self-filing and expert-assisted options, making it suitable for both first-time filers and professionals seeking accurate, error-free filing.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return?
Income Tax Returns can be filed on the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal or through authorized platforms like TaxBuddy. Using these platforms ensures seamless submission, accurate form selection, and instant guidance on required documents.
Q4. Can I file ITR using a JSON file instead of the online portal?
Yes, the Income Tax Department allows ITR filing using JSON files. Taxpayers can generate a JSON file using the ITR utility provided by the Department or platforms like TaxBuddy, which can then be uploaded on the e-filing portal for submission.
Q5. How do I verify TDS credits before filing ITR?
TDS credits can be verified through Form 26AS, available on the Income Tax Department portal. Platforms like TaxBuddy automatically fetch TDS information linked to your PAN, reducing errors and ensuring your return reflects accurate deductions before submission.
Q6. Is e-verification mandatory for ITR submission?
Yes, e-verification is required to complete ITR filing. Without verification, the return is considered invalid. TaxBuddy provides multiple e-verification options, including OTP via Aadhaar, net banking, and Demat account verification, simplifying the process.
Q7. What documents are required for claiming Section 80C deductions?
For Section 80C deductions, taxpayers should maintain proofs of investments such as life insurance premiums, Public Provident Fund (PPF) contributions, Employee Provident Fund (EPF) statements, National Savings Certificates (NSC), and tuition fee receipts. TaxBuddy allows easy upload and verification of these documents while filing.
Q8. Can I revise my ITR after submission?
Yes, a filed ITR can be revised using the revised return facility under Section 139(5). TaxBuddy supports revision filing, allowing users to correct errors, update income, or claim missed deductions before the deadline, ensuring compliance.
Q9. What happens if my bank account details are incorrect?
Incorrect bank account details can delay refund processing. TaxBuddy prompts users to validate their account information before submission, minimizing errors and ensuring that refunds are credited to the correct account.
Q10. How do I track my ITR refund status?
Refund status can be tracked via the Income Tax Department portal using PAN and assessment year details. TaxBuddy provides real-time updates on refund processing, helping taxpayers stay informed about timelines and any required actions.
Q11. Is there a penalty for late filing after September 15, 2025?
Yes, late filing of ITR after the extended deadline may attract penalties up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F, along with interest on any unpaid tax. Filing promptly through platforms like TaxBuddy helps minimize penalties and ensures timely compliance.
Q12. Can TaxBuddy assist with both individual and business ITR filings?
Yes, TaxBuddy caters to both individual taxpayers and businesses. It supports salaried individuals, professionals, and companies requiring audits or transfer pricing compliance, offering expert-assisted filing for complex scenarios and self-filing for simpler returns.
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