How to Submit Income Tax Returns Online in India in 2025

Submitting your Income Tax Returns (ITR) online has become a simple and efficient process, allowing taxpayers to meet their obligations with ease. The online filing system ensures quicker processing, reduced errors, and faster refunds. To submit Income Tax Returns online in India, you need to register or log in on the Income Tax e-Filing portal, select the appropriate ITR form, fill in the required details, compute your tax, and submit the return. After submission, e-verify your ITR to complete the filing process.

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Table of Contents

• Who Needs to File an ITR?

• Documents Required for Online ITR Filing

• Choosing the Right ITR Form

• Step-by-Step Guide to E-Filing ITR

• Key Points to Remember

• Conclusion

• FAQs

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Who Needs to File an ITR?

Under the Income Tax Act of 1961, any individual whose total income exceeds the basic exemption limit must file an Income Tax Return (ITR). The basic exemption limit varies based on factors such as age and the applicable tax regime. For the Financial Year 2024-25, the basic exemption limit for individuals below 60 years is ₹2.5 lakh, while it increases to ₹3 lakh for senior citizens (aged 60-80) and ₹5 lakh for super senior citizens (aged 80 and above).

However, even if your income is below the threshold, you may still be required to file your ITR under certain circumstances. For instance:

• High-value Transactions: If you engage in transactions that exceed prescribed limits, such as purchasing or selling property, making high-value deposits or withdrawals, or investing in foreign assets, you may be required to file an ITR to ensure proper documentation and compliance.

• Foreign Travel: Individuals who have spent more than ₹2 lakh on foreign travel during the financial year or those who are beneficiaries of foreign assets may be required to file a return.

• Taxpayer with TDS: Even if your income is below the exemption limit, if tax has been deducted at source (TDS) on your income (e.g., salary, interest), filing an ITR can help you claim a refund of the excess tax deducted.

Filing an ITR serves as a record of your income, ensuring that you remain compliant with tax regulations and making it easier to access various financial services, such as loans and visas.

Documents Required for Online ITR Filing

Before you start the ITR filing process, it's essential to have all the necessary documents ready. Here's a comprehensive list of documents you will need:

• PAN Card: Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for filing your ITR. It serves as your identification number for all tax-related matters.

• Aadhaar Card: Ensure that your Aadhaar is linked with your PAN. This is essential for verification and e-filing.

• Salary Slips/Form 16: Form 16, issued by your employer, is crucial for salaried individuals as it contains details of your salary income, deductions, and tax paid.

• Form 26AS: This form contains details of TDS deducted by your employer, banks, and other entities on your behalf. It helps cross-verify the taxes already paid and ensures there are no discrepancies.

• Investment Proofs: Any proof of investment made for claiming deductions under sections like 80C, 80D, etc. This includes receipts for PPF, NPS, ELSS, insurance premiums, etc.

• Interest Certificates: These are provided by banks and post offices for the interest income earned during the year.

• Rent Receipts (for HRA claims): If you are claiming a deduction for House Rent Allowance (HRA), you will need to provide rent receipts as evidence.

Having these documents ready will make the filing process smooth and ensure accuracy in the details you provide.

Choosing the Right ITR Form

Choosing the correct ITR form is crucial, as it depends on your income sources, tax obligations, and specific conditions. Below are some common ITR forms:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): This form is for salaried individuals, pensioners, and those with income from a single house property and other sources, such as interest. If your total income is below ₹50 lakh, ITR-1 is typically the most straightforward option.

• ITR-4 (Sugam): This form is applicable to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and firms that have a presumptive income from business or profession under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE. It is commonly used by small businesses and professionals whose total income is up to ₹50 lakh and who wish to opt for the presumptive taxation scheme.

• Other ITR Forms (ITR-2, ITR-3, etc.): These forms are meant for individuals with more complex income sources, such as income from capital gains, business, or foreign sources. They involve more detailed disclosures and calculations.

Choosing the correct form ensures that you provide accurate information about your income and deductions, thus avoiding mistakes that could lead to penalties.

Step-by-Step Guide to E-Filing ITR

Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to file your ITR online:

• Register and Log In to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal:
  

• Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal:incometax.gov.in.

• Log in using your PAN (which acts as the user ID) and password. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register and activate your account by providing basic details like your PAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number.
  

• Choose the Correct ITR Form:
  

• Based on your income sources, select the appropriate ITR form. Make sure to pick the right form to avoid mistakes. For example, if you are salaried, select ITR-1 (Sahaj), or if you’re a business owner, go for ITR-4 (Sugam).
  

• Enter Necessary Details:
  

• Fill in the details such as your income, deductions, and bank account information. Some details (like salary and TDS) may be auto-filled using your PAN, but manually verify them for accuracy.

• Ensure to provide your Aadhaar number, bank details (for any refunds), and details of deductions you wish to claim.
  

• Compute Tax and Make Any Necessary Payments:
  

• The portal will calculate your tax liability based on the information entered. If there’s any tax due, you’ll need to make a payment using the available payment options (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, etc.).
  

• Submit Your ITR:
  

• Once all the details are correctly filled in, review your return. Ensure all sections are properly filled and no data is missing.

• Submit the ITR online. After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt, which you should save for future reference.
  

• E-Verify Your ITR:
  

• The last step in the process is to e-verify your ITR. You can do this via Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or by generating a verification code. If you opt for manual verification, you need to send the signed ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru.

Key Points to Remember

• File on Time: Ensure that you file your ITR before the due date. The last date for most individuals to file their returns is usually July 31st, but for AY 2025-26, the due date has been extended to September 15, 2025.

• Double-Check Bank Details: If you are expecting a refund, make sure the bank details you provide are correct. A mistake here could delay your refund.

• Supporting Documents: While you don't need to upload supporting documents during e-filing, always keep them handy. The tax department may ask for them in case of any discrepancies or audits.

• No Need to Attach Documents: For forms like ITR-1 and ITR-4, there’s no need to attach supporting documents with your return, but keep them stored securely for future reference if required.

Conclusion

For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download theTaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience. The app offers a step-by-step guide to help you through the entire tax filing process. From selecting the right ITR form to e-verifying your return, TaxBuddy ensures that your filing is accurate, timely, and free from errors. Its user-friendly interface, combined with expert assistance if needed, makes the entire process smooth and effortless, giving you peace of mind that your taxes are in good hands.

FAQs

Q1. How does TaxBuddy use social media to engage with users and keep them informed?

TaxBuddy stays active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to keep users updated on the latest tax-related news, filing deadlines, and tips. By following TaxBuddy’s social media profiles, you can stay informed and engage with helpful content and announcements.

Q2. Can I get updates or alerts about ITR filing deadlines from TaxBuddy?

Yes, TaxBuddy provides timely reminders and alerts about important tax deadlines, including ITR filing due dates. You can receive notifications via email and social media channels, ensuring you never miss a critical deadline.

Q3. How can TaxBuddy help me with my ITR if I’m a first-time filer?

TaxBuddy offers a user-friendly interface designed to simplify the ITR filing process for first-time filers. The app guides you through each step, ensuring you understand what information is required and how to file your return accurately and on time.

Q4. Is my data secure when I file my taxes with TaxBuddy?

TaxBuddy ensures that your data is encrypted and stored securely. The platform complies with all data protection regulations, and your personal and financial information is kept confidential throughout the entire filing process.

Q5. Can I file my taxes using TaxBuddy on my mobile?

Yes, the TaxBuddy mobile app allows you to file your taxes directly from your phone, making it convenient and accessible no matter where you are. It simplifies the process and lets you manage your tax filings on the go.

Q6. Does TaxBuddy provide any tutorials or educational resources?

Yes, TaxBuddy offers helpful tutorials, blogs, and educational content on various tax-related topics. These resources help users understand complex tax concepts and guide them through the filing process.

Q6. How quickly can I expect my tax refund if I file through TaxBuddy?

TaxBuddy helps ensure your return is filed accurately and on time, which can expedite the processing of your refund. The speed of your refund also depends on the Income Tax Department's processing times, but TaxBuddy's accurate filings help avoid delays.

Q7. Can TaxBuddy help me with handling income tax notices?

Yes, TaxBuddy offers expert assistance for handling tax notices. If you receive a notice from the tax department, TaxBuddy's support team can help you understand the notice and guide you through any necessary actions.

Q8. What makes TaxBuddy different from other tax filing platforms?

TaxBuddy stands out with its AI-driven tax filing solutions, making it a faster and more accurate option for users. Additionally, it offers both self-filing and expert-assisted filing plans, providing flexibility for various needs.

Q9. How does TaxBuddy’s expert-assisted plan work?

In the expert-assisted plan, TaxBuddy’s team of professionals handles your entire tax filing process, ensuring your return is accurate and optimized. This service is ideal for individuals with complex tax situations who need additional support.

Q10. Can I access my filed ITR anytime on TaxBuddy?

Yes, once you file your ITR through TaxBuddy, you can access your filed returns anytime through the app, allowing you to keep track of your filings and make updates as needed.

Q11. Can TaxBuddy help me with filing taxes for multiple years?

Yes, TaxBuddy allows users to file ITR for previous years. Whether you missed a filing deadline or need to correct an earlier return, the platform provides tools to help you submit returns for past assessment years.