Guide to E-Filing Income Tax Returns for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

The deadline for filing the original income tax return for the Financial Year 2024-25 has passed. However, if you missed this date, you are still eligible to submit a belated return under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. When filing, ensure you specifically select the ‘belated return’ category.

Quick Overview of the Online ITR Filing Process

You can complete your ITR submission by following this sequence:
1. Log in to the official Income Tax Portal.
2. Navigate to the ‘File Income Tax Return’ section.
3. Choose the appropriate Assessment Year.
4. Indicate your ‘Filing Status’.
5. Pick the correct ‘ITR Type’.
6. Specify the reason for filing.
7. Validate the provided information.
8. Complete the E-verification process.

Essential Documents for ITR Filing

Prior to starting the filing process, gather the following necessary documents and information:

• PAN and Aadhaar details.
• Updated bank statements.
• Form 16 from your employer.
• Receipts for any donations made.
• Statements from broker platforms regarding stock trading.
• Premium receipts for life and health insurance policies.
• Details of bank accounts linked to your PAN.
• A mobile number linked to Aadhaar to facilitate e-verification.
• Certificates of interest income from banks.

Step-by-Step Online Filing Process

Below is a detailed walkthrough for filing your ITR online for the Assessment Year 2025-26 via the official government portal.

Step 1: Portal Login

Access the income tax portal by logging in with your PAN credentials and password.

Step 2: Assessment Year and Filing Mode

Choose ‘AY 2025-26’ as the Assessment Year (applicable for FY 2024-25). Select the ‘Online’ mode of filing and proceed.

Step 3: Filing Status Selection

Indicate your legal status, such as Individual, HUF, or other applicable categories, and continue.

Step 4: Choice of ITR Form

Selecting the correct form is critical and depends on your income sources. ITR 1 through ITR 4 are typically for Individuals and HUFs. For example, if you have capital gains but no business income, ITR 2 is the correct choice.

Step 5: Reason for Filing

You will be asked to specify why you are filing the return. Choose the relevant option, such as taxable income exceeding the basic exemption limit or fulfilling other specific criteria.

Step 6: Data Entry and Validation

1. Many details, including PAN, Aadhaar, and contact information, will be pre-filled. Review them carefully.
2. Confirm that your bank account details are correct and pre-validated.
3. Enter all income sources, claim deductions, and declare exemptions.
4. Cross-reference the data with documents like Form 26AS or AIS.
5. Pay any outstanding tax dues and validate the return summary.

Step 7: E-Verification

Verification is mandatory within 30 days of submission. Without this step, the return is considered invalid. You can verify electronically using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or Net Banking, or by sending a physical ITR-V copy to CPC, Bengaluru.

Procedure for Offline Filing

If you prefer to file offline using the utility tool, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal and navigate to the downloads section.
2. Download the offline utility software.
3. Launch the utility and select ‘File Return’.
4. Choose the ‘Download Pre-fill’ option.
5. Enter your PAN and the Assessment Year to proceed.
6. Log in through the utility using your portal credentials.
7. Verify the displayed details (Name, PAN, AY) and click ‘File Return’.
8. Select your status (Individual/HUF) and the appropriate ITR form.
9. Complete the general information section and verify bank details.
10. Input income details; ensure data from Form 26AS is included.
11. Preview tax and TDS details, then proceed to validation.
12. Generate and download the JSON file after declaration.
13. Log in to the online portal, select the filing type, and upload the JSON file.
14. Complete the verification process.

Criteria for Mandatory ITR Filing

Filing an ITR is compulsory for individuals whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit. Additionally, filing is mandatory if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Spent more than Rs. 2 lakh on foreign travel.
• Incurred electricity bills of Rs. 1 lakh or more.
• Deposited over Rs. 1 crore in one or more current accounts.
• Total business turnover exceeds Rs. 60 lakh.
• Gross professional receipts exceed Rs. 10 lakh.
• Total TDS and TCS deducted is more than Rs. 25,000.
• You hold assets outside India or have signing authority for foreign accounts.

Note: If you file based on high-value expenditure, ensure you report the exact amounts accurately.