Filing ITR online has now become much easier than before. If you are preparing to file your income tax return for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), then you can submit it online directly through the Income Tax e-filing portal. CBDT has provided the facility of both online e-filing and Excel utility for ITR-1, ITR-2 and ITR-4 forms. However, it is very important to select the right ITR form, correct income information and match the required documents so that the return can be processed without any hassle. Let us tell you about 7 steps, through which you can fill your ITR sitting at home.
First of all, before starting filing, download both your Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement) and AIS (Annual Information Statement) from the e-filing portal. Match each entry with your bank statement, Form 16, broker capital gain statement and rent receipts. If any entry in AIS is incorrect, submit feedback in AIS itself. With this, your record is maintained and you can avoid getting notice later.
This is the step-by-step method of filing ITR
Step 1- Log in to the Income Tax Portal
income tax Go to e-filing portal and click on ‘Login’. Existing users can sign in using their PAN (or Aadhaar), password and captcha code. If you are filing your return for the first time, click on ‘Register’ and create an account using your PAN, Aadhaar, mobile number and email ID. After completion of registration, log in and go to e-File to start the filing process, then go to Income Tax Returns and click on File Income Tax Return.
Step 2- Select the correct assessment year and filing mode
Select AY 2026-27 for income earned during FY 2025-26. Select ‘Online’ as the mode of filing and click on ‘Continue’. If you had earlier started filing the return but did not complete it, the portal may give you the option of ‘Resume Filing’. Otherwise, select ‘Start New Filing’ to start a new return.
Step 3- Select your filing status
Select the category under which you are filing the return, such as Individual, HUF, or any other applicable status. Your filing status determines which ITR form, tax rules and reporting requirements apply. After selecting the correct status, click on ‘Continue’.
Step 4- Choose the correct ITR form
Choosing the right ITR form is one of the most important steps in the filing process. The form depends on your source of income, residential status and whether your income is from business or profession.
Step 5- Select the reason for filing return
The portal will ask you why you are filing the return. Choose the most appropriate option as per your situation, e.g. total income exceeds the basic exemption limit. Claiming a tax refund. Carry forward the loss. Meet special filing requirements due to high-value transactions, foreign assets or other specified requirements. Selecting the correct reason ensures correct processing of your return.
Step 6- Fill income, deduction and tax information
Before proceeding, keep the necessary documents handy such as Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS, salary slip, bank statement, capital gains statement and proof of deductions. This will help you verify the information already filled and ensure correct reporting of income and tax credits.
Step 7- Review, submit and e-verify your return
Before submitting, check all the information in your return and make sure everything is correct. After verification, submit ITR. After filing, you will have to e-verify your return within 30 days, failing which the return will be considered invalid. You can e-verify using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Bank Account EVC, Demat Account EVC or DSC. Additionally, you can send the signed ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru. Your return filing process is completed only after successful verification. Once verified, the Income Tax Department will process your return and issue any eligible refund.
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