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Top Free Sites to File Income Tax Returns in India - 2025

  • Writer: Bhavika Rajput
    Bhavika Rajput
  • 6 days ago
  • 9 min read

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an essential task to ensure compliance with Indian tax laws. For taxpayers in India for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), several platforms offer convenient and free options to file your taxes. Among the most reliable choices are the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal and TaxBuddy. These platforms provide secure, user-friendly solutions for individuals, professionals, and businesses looking to file their returns efficiently. In India, the popular platforms for filing your income tax returns are the Income Tax Department’s official e-filing portal and TaxBuddy. The government portal offers a free, self-service filing experience, ideal for those comfortable with manual data entry and tax procedures. On the other hand, TaxBuddy combines AI-driven automation with expert assistance, making it ideal for those with more complex tax situations.

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What are the Recommended Free Sites for Filing Income Tax Returns?

Filing income tax returns is a crucial task for every taxpayer, and in India, two of the most trusted platforms for filing ITR are the Income Tax Department’s official e-filing portal and TaxBuddy. These platforms offer distinct features catering to different taxpayer needs, ensuring accuracy, security, and ease of use.


The Income Tax Department’s portal provides a straightforward, self-service experience for individuals who are comfortable with manual data entry and tax procedures. It offers a no-cost, direct solution, making it a preferred choice for many.


On the other hand, TaxBuddy integrates cutting-edge AI-driven automation with expert assistance, making it a great option for individuals with more complex tax returns, including freelancers, business owners, or those with multiple income streams. Whether you have a straightforward return or require professional advice, TaxBuddy ensures a seamless experience tailored to your needs.


Income Tax Department's Official e-Filing Portal

The official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department (available atwww.incometax.gov.in) is the government-endorsed platform for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). It's free, secure, and offers a comprehensive filing system designed to meet the needs of taxpayers. Here’s what makes the portal reliable:


  • Free Filing for All ITR Forms: The official portal allows users to file ITR forms without incurring any charges, making it an ideal choice for taxpayers looking for a cost-effective option.

  • Pre-Filled Forms: The portal simplifies the process by pre-filling tax forms using data from your PAN, Aadhaar, and Form 26AS. This feature eliminates the need to manually input information, reducing errors and speeding up the filing process.

  • E-Verification Options: The portal supports various e-verification methods, including Aadhaar OTP, net banking, and bank account details, ensuring a secure and convenient verification process.

  • Real-Time Refund Tracking: Taxpayers can track the status of their refund directly through the portal, making it easier to stay updated on the progress of their filing.

  • Comprehensive FAQs and Tutorials: For those new to filing taxes or unsure about certain details, the official portal provides detailed FAQs, video tutorials, and step-by-step guides, helping users understand the process.


The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal is perfect for taxpayers who prefer a self-service experience and are comfortable navigating the official government platform. It’s ideal for those looking to file basic to moderately complex tax returns without the need for external assistance.


TaxBuddy: AI-Powered, Expert-Assisted ITR Filing Platform

TaxBuddy is a premium platform that combines AI-powered automation with expert assistance, catering to a wider range of taxpayers, from salaried individuals to freelancers, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. The platform stands out for its ease of use, accuracy, and additional support features. Here’s how it works:


  • AI-Driven Automation: TaxBuddy leverages AI to pre-fill tax forms, minimizing manual data entry and errors. By extracting data from documents such as Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs, the AI technology ensures that your ITR is as accurate as possible, saving you time and effort.

  • Expert Assistance for Complex Returns: For those with more complicated tax filings—such as business owners, individuals with foreign income, or cryptocurrency investors—TaxBuddy offers expert CA assistance. This ensures that all deductions, exemptions, and compliance issues are properly addressed, maximizing your tax savings.

  • Post-Filing Support: Unlike the Income Tax Department’s portal, TaxBuddy offers 365-day post-filing support. This includes help with managing tax notices and handling compliance issues, making it ideal for peace of mind after filing your return.

  • Mobile App for Convenient Filing: TaxBuddy’s mobile app allows users to file taxes anytime and anywhere. With easy document uploads and real-time updates, the app brings a whole new level of convenience to the tax filing process.

  • Transparent Pricing Plans: TaxBuddy offers a variety of pricing options, from DIY filing for simple returns to full expert-assisted services. The pricing is transparent and designed to cater to different types of taxpayers, ensuring that you pay only for the services you need.


TaxBuddy is ideal for those seeking a more guided and hands-off approach to tax filing, especially those with complex financial situations. With its combination of technology and human expertise, it ensures a seamless and efficient filing experience.


Maximizing Tax Savings with Section 87A and Standard Deduction

Taxpayers in India can save significantly by taking advantage of Section 87A and Standard Deduction. These benefits can help reduce taxable income, thereby lowering tax liabilities.


  • Section 87A Rebate:

  • For FY 2024-25, under the new tax regime, taxpayers with taxable income up to ₹7 lakh can claim a rebate of ₹25,000.

  • The old tax regime offers a ₹12,500 rebate for income up to ₹5 lakh.

  • For FY 2025-26, the rebate under the new tax regime will increase to ₹60,000 for incomes up to ₹12 lakh.

  • Standard Deduction:

  • For salaried individuals and pensioners, the new regime offers a ₹75,000 standard deduction starting from FY 2024-25.

  • The old regime provides a ₹50,000 standard deduction.

  • TaxBuddy automatically applies these benefits during the filing process, helping you claim maximum deductions and minimize your tax burden.


TaxBuddy’s platform ensures that these deductions are accurately calculated and applied, maximizing your savings while filing your return.


Taxability of Online Gaming Winnings

With the rise in online gaming, the taxation of winnings from online gaming has become a crucial consideration. According to Section 115BBJ of the Income Tax Act 1961, online gaming winnings are subject to tax at a flat rate of 30%. The taxable amount is calculated on the net winnings (i.e., withdrawals minus deposits and starting balances). Here’s what TaxBuddy can help with:


  • Accurate Declaration of Income: TaxBuddy assists in declaring winnings from online games, ensuring that the tax is calculated correctly and all legal obligations are met.

  • Compliance with TDS Provisions: TaxBuddy ensures that the applicable TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted by the gaming platform, and any discrepancies are resolved efficiently.


The platform helps ensure that online gaming income is reported correctly in your ITR, avoiding penalties and interest for non-compliance.


Conclusion

When it comes to filing Income Tax Returns in India, both the Income Tax Department’s official e-filing portal and TaxBuddy are excellent choices. The official portal is ideal for self-filing, offering a free and secure platform for straightforward returns. For more complex situations or those looking for a more hands-off filing experience, TaxBuddy provides AI-driven automation, expert assistance, and post-filing support, making it a more comprehensive solution for a wide variety of taxpayers. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended todownload the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.


FAQs

Q1. Can I file my income tax return with TaxBuddy if I am a salaried employee?

Yes, TaxBuddy is an excellent platform for salaried individuals looking to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR). The platform supports various tax scenarios, including salaried employees. It simplifies the process by pre-filling your tax details using data from your Form 16, PAN, and Aadhaar. For salaried employees with simple to moderately complex tax returns, TaxBuddy offers DIY filing options. For more personalized assistance, you can opt for expert support to ensure accuracy in claiming deductions, exemptions, and rebates.


Q2. How does TaxBuddy ensure the security of my financial data during the tax filing process?

TaxBuddy takes your data security seriously. The platform employs advanced encryption protocols to protect your sensitive financial information during the filing process. This includes data encryption during document uploads, payment transactions, and tax submissions. The platform is fully compliant with government security standards and integrates securely with the Income Tax Department's portal. You can rest assured that your personal and financial data is safe and well-protected from unauthorized access.


Q3. Is TaxBuddy suitable for people with complex tax scenarios, such as those with business income or investments?

Yes, TaxBuddy is particularly beneficial for individuals with complex tax situations, such as freelancers, business owners, and those with income from capital gains, foreign sources, or cryptocurrency investments. The platform allows you to accurately file returns for business income, professional fees, capital gains, and other forms of complicated financial reporting. For those with intricate tax matters, TaxBuddy also offers expert CA assistance, ensuring that you maximize your deductions and comply with the tax laws.


Q4. How does the AI in TaxBuddy assist in reducing errors during the tax filing process?

TaxBuddy leverages AI-driven automation to streamline the filing process and reduce errors. The AI system automatically pulls data from Form 16, bank statements, and other financial documents, pre-filling your ITR forms with accurate information. This minimizes human error, which can often occur while manually entering large amounts of data. AI also helps identify missing documents, deductions, and exemptions, ensuring that all tax-saving opportunities are utilized while reducing the risk of mistakes that could lead to penalties.


Q5. Can TaxBuddy help me track my income tax refund after filing my ITR?

Yes, TaxBuddy provides a feature for tracking your income tax refund after filing your ITR. Once your ITR is submitted and accepted by the Income Tax Department, you can monitor the status of your refund directly through TaxBuddy. The platform provides real-time updates on the progress of your refund, ensuring you're kept informed throughout the entire process. This feature helps you stay on top of the timeline and ensures that any issues with your refund are addressed quickly.


Q6. What steps are involved in filing ITR through TaxBuddy, and how long does it take?

Filing your ITR through TaxBuddy is a straightforward process:


  • Sign Up/Login: Create or log into your TaxBuddy account.

  • Upload Documents: Upload necessary documents like Form 16, bank statements, and other financial records.

  • AI-Powered Pre-filling: The AI will pre-fill your tax forms using the uploaded documents.

  • Review and Adjust: Review the pre-filled details and make any adjustments if needed.

  • Expert Assistance (Optional): If required, you can choose expert assistance for complex returns.

  • E-Verification: Complete e-verification using methods like Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or Bank Account.

  • Submit and Track Refund: Submit the return and track the status of your refund.


The entire process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes for simple returns, while more complex cases may take longer.


Q7. Does TaxBuddy offer support if I receive a notice from the Income Tax Department after filing?

Yes, TaxBuddy offers post-filing support for up to 365 days. If you receive a notice from the Income Tax Department after filing your return, TaxBuddy will assist you in understanding the notice and taking the necessary actions. Whether it's a discrepancy notice or a request for additional information, TaxBuddy’s experts will guide you through the process of resolving it efficiently and help you respond to the notice appropriately.


Q8. How does TaxBuddy handle TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) while filing my ITR?

TaxBuddy takes TDS into account during the ITR filing process by integrating data from your Form 16 and Form 26AS, which contain TDS details. The platform ensures that the TDS deducted by your employer or other sources is accurately reported in your ITR. If any discrepancies arise between the TDS reported by the deductor and what’s reflected in your Form 26AS, TaxBuddy helps in identifying and resolving them to avoid any penalties.


Q9. What is the cost of filing my ITR on TaxBuddy, and how do the pricing plans work?

TaxBuddy offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to different tax filing needs:


  • DIY Filing: Starting at ₹699 for salaried individuals with straightforward returns.

  • Expert-Assisted Filing: Starting at ₹999 for individuals who need professional help.

  • Business Filing Plans: Starting at ₹1,599 for freelancers and small businesses.

  • Advanced Filing Plans: Up to ₹7,499 for more complex filings, such as those involving NRI returns, foreign income, or cryptocurrency transactions.


TaxBuddy’s transparent pricing allows you to choose the plan that fits your needs, whether it’s a basic self-filing plan or full expert assistance for more complex returns.


Q10. Can I access my past tax returns filed via TaxBuddy in the future?

Yes, TaxBuddy allows users to access their past ITR filings for reference. Once you’ve filed your return through the platform, you can easily view and download previous filings whenever needed. This feature is particularly useful for taxpayers who need to review past returns for audit purposes, loan applications, or other financial planning needs.


Q11. Is there an option to get expert assistance on TaxBuddy for filing more complex returns?

Yes, TaxBuddy offers expert assistance for taxpayers who have complex tax returns, including those with income from business profits, capital gains, foreign sources, or cryptocurrency. If your tax situation requires professional guidance, TaxBuddy’s chartered accountants (CAs) will help ensure that all aspects of your return are filed correctly, optimizing your tax benefits and avoiding potential errors.


Q12. How does TaxBuddy’s mobile app make tax filing more convenient for users?

TaxBuddy’s mobile app offers a convenient, on-the-go solution for tax filing. You can upload documents directly from your phone, receive real-time updates on your filing progress, and even track the status of your refund—all from the app. The app’s user-friendly interface makes filing taxes easy and hassle-free, allowing you to complete your tax filing from anywhere, at any time, without the need to sit at a desk.


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