Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Collect all relevant documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, Form 16, bank statements, investment details, and other income-related documents.
Step 2: Choose the Right ITR Form
Select the appropriate Income Tax Return (ITR) form based on your income sources and financial activities. Commonly used forms include ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, and so on.
Step 3: Access the Official Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Step 4: Register or Login
If you are a new user, register on the portal by providing necessary details. If you are a returning user, log in with your credentials.
Step 5: Download the Relevant ITR Form
Download the selected ITR form from the portal’s “Downloads” section. Ensure that you choose the form for the assessment year you are filing for.
Step 6: Fill in the Form Offline
Use the downloaded form to fill in your details offline. Enter accurate information regarding your income, deductions, and tax liabilities.
Step 7: Validate the Form
Click on the ‘Validate’ button to confirm and validate the entered details. The system will check for any errors or inconsistencies in the form.
Step 8: Generate XML File
After validation, click on the ‘Generate XML’ button to convert the form into an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file.
Step 9: Login to the e-Filing Portal Again
Log in to the official e-Filing portal using your credentials.
Step 10: Click on ‘e-File’ and ‘Income Tax Return’
Navigate to the ‘e-File’ section and select ‘Income Tax Return.’
Step 11: Choose ‘Upload XML’
Choose the assessment year, ITR form number, and the filing type. Select ‘Upload XML’ and upload the XML file generated in the previous step.
Step 12: Verify Your Identity
After uploading, you will be prompted to verify your identity using Electronic Verification Code (EVC), Aadhaar OTP, or manual submission of ITR-V.
Step 13: Confirmation
Upon successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgment with a unique acknowledgment number. This serves as confirmation of your online income tax filing.