How Salaried Employees File Returns Easily Using TaxBuddy’s DIY Option
- Dipali Waghmode
- Sep 3
- 8 min read
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) can seem complex, but with the right guidance and tools, the process becomes straightforward and efficient. TaxBuddy offers a seamless DIY (Do-It-Yourself) filing option that helps taxpayers navigate every step of filing their ITR accurately. Whether you are a salaried professional, an individual with multiple sources of income, or someone looking to claim exemptions, the DIY platform ensures an organized, guided approach. From logging in to tracking your refund, TaxBuddy simplifies the filing process while reducing the risk of errors and missed deadlines.
Table of Index
Registering or Logging In to TaxBuddy
The first step in filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) through TaxBuddy is to either register for a new account or log in to an existing one. To begin, ensure that you have your Permanent Account Number (PAN), basic personal information, and contact details handy, as these are essential for verification and secure access. TaxBuddy’s platform prioritizes data security, offering encrypted login and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive financial information.
Upon successful login, users are directed to a well-organized dashboard designed to simplify the tax filing process. The dashboard provides a clear overview of available filing options, past ITR submissions, and the ability to select the relevant financial year for filing. Users can also access notifications, alerts for pending actions, and helpful tips directly from the dashboard. The interface is intuitive, ensuring that even first-time filers can navigate easily, locate required forms, and start their ITR preparation without confusion.
Choosing the DIY Filing Option
After logging in, taxpayers have the option to select the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) filing plan, which is ideal for those who prefer to file their ITR independently while retaining full control over their submissions. This option provides a structured step-by-step workflow, guiding users through income details, deductions, exemptions, and tax credits. Each section of the ITR is clearly explained with prompts and validation checks to reduce errors and improve accuracy.
Unlike expert-assisted plans, the DIY option does not involve a professional handling your filing, making it a cost-effective and self-paced approach. TaxBuddy’s platform ensures that users can double-check their entries, get instant calculations of tax liability or refund estimates, and make corrections in real time. The interface also supports easy uploading of documents like Form 16, investment proofs, and TDS statements, ensuring a seamless and error-free filing process.
By choosing the DIY plan, taxpayers can complete their ITR confidently while having full control over every detail, backed by TaxBuddy’s automated checks and user-friendly guidance system.
Selecting the Financial Year and ITR Form
Next, choose the relevant financial year, in this case, FY 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), and select the appropriate ITR form. TaxBuddy automatically recommends the correct ITR form based on your profile, whether you are a salaried individual, a professional, or a business owner. This reduces confusion and ensures compliance with the Income Tax Department’s regulations.
Importing Income and TDS Details
TaxBuddy allows users to import income and TDS details directly from Form 16, Form 26AS, or other statements. This step minimises manual entry errors and ensures that all taxable income, TDS credits, and advance taxes are accurately recorded. The platform cross-verifies imported details to highlight discrepancies, allowing corrections before submission.
Adding Deductions and Exemptions
The next step involves adding deductions under Section 80C, 80D, 80E, or other relevant sections, along with exemptions like HRA or LTA. TaxBuddy provides prompts for each deduction, ensuring that taxpayers maximize eligible savings while remaining compliant with the chosen tax regime. Users can compare the old vs. the new tax regime to determine which offers the best tax benefit.
Comparing Old vs. New Tax Regime
TaxBuddy provides a clear comparison of the old and new tax regimes. It calculates tax liability under both systems based on entered income, deductions, and exemptions, helping users make an informed decision. This comparison ensures optimal tax planning and highlights potential savings opportunities for the selected financial year.
Reviewing, E-Verification, and Submission
Before submitting an Income Tax Return (ITR), it is crucial to ensure that all details are accurate and complete. TaxBuddy provides a comprehensive review process that highlights any missing information, discrepancies, or inconsistencies in the filled ITR. This includes verifying personal details, income sources, deductions, and TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) credits to ensure the return is fully compliant with the Income Tax Department’s requirements.
Once the review is complete, the return can be submitted and e-verified directly through TaxBuddy. E-verification can be done using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other recognised methods. E-verification is a critical step because it immediately authenticates the return with the Income Tax Department, eliminating the need to physically send a signed ITR-V (acknowledgement). This process not only speeds up the processing of the return but also significantly reduces the chances of rejection due to verification issues. TaxBuddy simplifies this step by guiding users through the verification options, ensuring a smooth and error-free submission.
Tracking ITR Status and Refund
After the ITR is successfully submitted and e-verified, it is essential to monitor the return’s status until it is fully processed. TaxBuddy provides real-time tracking of the ITR status, allowing taxpayers to stay updated on the progress of their return. The platform monitors key stages such as acknowledgement receipt, processing of income details, verification of TDS credits, and initiation of refunds.
TaxBuddy also keeps users informed about any notices or communications from the Income Tax Department. Timely notifications alert taxpayers if further clarification is required or if there are discrepancies that need attention, ensuring no critical updates are missed. The platform’s tracking system ensures that refunds are monitored efficiently, providing estimated timelines for disbursal and helping taxpayers plan their finances better. By using TaxBuddy, taxpayers gain transparency and control over the entire post-filing process, reducing uncertainty and streamlining the assessment and refund experience.
Key Benefits of TaxBuddy’s DIY Option
TaxBuddy’s DIY (Do-It-Yourself) filing option is designed to simplify income tax return filing for individual taxpayers while ensuring accuracy and compliance. One of the primary advantages is the guided step-by-step process, which walks users through each section of the ITR form. This approach reduces confusion, making it easier for first-time filers or those unfamiliar with tax procedures to complete their returns without errors.
Another major benefit is the automation of TDS and income imports. TaxBuddy allows users to directly import Form 16, salary details, interest income, and other sources of income, eliminating the need for manual entry. This not only saves time but also significantly reduces the risk of mistakes that often occur when entering income and deduction details manually.
The DIY option also provides instant calculation of tax liability, factoring in deductions under Sections like 80C, 80D, 80TTA, and more. Users can compare old and new tax regimes seamlessly, allowing them to choose the most tax-efficient option without complex calculations.
Finally, e-verification is simplified, and the platform ensures that returns are filed in full compliance with current tax laws. Overall, the DIY option on TaxBuddy offers a hassle-free, accurate, and secure filing experience, saving time, minimizing errors, and ensuring timely submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) may seem straightforward, but even minor errors can lead to delays in processing, incorrect refund calculations, or notices from the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers often overlook certain details while filing, which can cause unnecessary complications.
One of the most frequent mistakes is incorrect PAN details. A mismatch in PAN or using the wrong PAN in the ITR can result in rejection or delay of processing. Similarly, errors in income reporting, such as missing salary entries, interest income, or capital gains, can trigger notices or discrepancies in tax calculations.
Another common oversight is not verifying TDS credits. Taxpayers sometimes fail to ensure that their Form 26AS reflects all TDS deducted by employers or banks. Filing without reconciling TDS credits may lead to lower refunds or additional scrutiny.
Skipping deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, or 80E is another recurring mistake. Overlooking these deductions can result in higher tax liability than necessary.
Finally, incorrect bank account details are a frequent cause of delayed refunds. Even a minor mistake in the account number or IFSC code can prevent the refund from being credited on time.
Platforms like TaxBuddy help preempt these errors by automatically alerting users to inconsistencies, missing entries, or incorrect data before submission. By cross-verifying PAN details, income entries, deductions, and bank account information, users can file with confidence, reducing the risk of rejection or refund delays.
Conclusion
TaxBuddy’s DIY filing option makes ITR submission efficient, accurate, and user-friendly. It simplifies every step, from income import to e-verification, while providing insights for optimal tax planning. 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 flexibility by offering both DIY (self-filing) and expert-assisted plans. Users who are comfortable filing their own returns can choose the self-filing option, which guides them step by step using pre-filled forms, utilities, and JSON uploads. For those who prefer professional help, the expert-assisted plan ensures a tax professional reviews the return, verifies all calculations, and handles complex situations like audit requirements or multiple income sources.
Q2. Which is the best site to file ITR?
TaxBuddy is a secure, intuitive, and reliable platform for online ITR filing. Its AI-driven tools automate tax calculations, verify details, and allow easy import of Form 16 or JSON files. The platform also provides guidance for choosing between old and new tax regimes, ensuring error-free filing. Unlike generic portals, it offers personalized support and notifications for deadlines and missing details.
Q3. Where to file an income tax return?
ITR can be filed directly through TaxBuddy’s web platform or mobile app. Both platforms support uploading of ITR utilities, pre-filled JSON files, or manual entry. TaxBuddy ensures the return is securely submitted to the Income Tax Department, and users can track refunds and e-verification status in real time.
Q4. Can I import Form 16 directly into TaxBuddy?
Yes, TaxBuddy allows seamless import of Form 16 and Form 26AS data. This reduces manual entry errors and speeds up filing. Once imported, the platform automatically populates the necessary fields in the ITR utility or JSON format, making the process faster and accurate.
Q5. How does TaxBuddy help compare old vs new tax regimes?
TaxBuddy automatically calculates tax liability under both old and new regimes based on the income, deductions, and exemptions entered. The platform highlights the most beneficial option for the user, showing clear savings and impact of deductions like HRA, standard deduction, and investments under Section 80C.
Q6. Is e-verification necessary for ITR filing on TaxBuddy?
Yes, e-verification is mandatory to validate any ITR filed online. TaxBuddy supports multiple verification methods including Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or physical submission of ITR-V. Without e-verification, the ITR is considered incomplete, and processing, including refunds, will be delayed.
Q7. Can I claim HRA and other exemptions using DIY filing?
Absolutely. TaxBuddy allows users to input all eligible exemptions, including HRA, LTA, medical reimbursements, and other deductions. The platform automatically updates the tax calculation, ensuring maximum legal benefits while minimizing chances of errors.
Q8. Does TaxBuddy notify about missing details before submission?
Yes, the platform actively flags incomplete fields, missing attachments, or inconsistent data. This pre-submission check ensures that taxpayers file accurate and complete returns, reducing the risk of notices or delays from the Income Tax Department.
Q9. Can I track my ITR refund through TaxBuddy?
Yes, TaxBuddy provides real-time tracking of refund status. Users receive notifications at each stage, from acknowledgment of submission to refund processing. This feature eliminates the need to manually check the Income Tax portal and ensures peace of mind.
Q10. Are there any penalties for late filing using TaxBuddy?
While TaxBuddy cannot waive government penalties, it ensures timely reminders and guidance to file before deadlines. Late filing penalties and interest, as per Income Tax rules, will still apply, but using TaxBuddy minimizes errors and helps meet deadlines wherever possible.
Q11. Can businesses file ITR using the TaxBuddy DIY option?
Yes, TaxBuddy supports filing for individual taxpayers, professionals, and businesses, including those requiring audit under Section 44AB or transfer pricing reporting. Users can use JSON uploads or utility-based filing, and the platform provides a step-by-step guide for complex business returns.
Q12. Is TaxBuddy secure for sharing sensitive financial data?
Absolutely. TaxBuddy uses advanced end-to-end encryption, secure servers, and industry-standard protocols to protect personal and financial information. All data shared on the platform, including ITR utilities and JSON files, is safeguarded, ensuring complete confidentiality and safety from unauthorized access.
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