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How to File Your Income Tax Return Online (FY 2025-26): Step by Step
Filing your ITR online is easier when you prepare income data, choose the correct tax regime and verify pre-filled information against your own records.
Step-by-step ITR filing process
- Gather documents. Keep Form 16, AIS/TIS, bank interest details, capital gains statements, deduction proofs and tax payment details ready.
- Log in to incometax.gov.in. Use the official income-tax portal and check your profile details before starting the return.
- Pick the tax regime. Compare the default new regime with the old regime if you have deductions such as 80C, 80D, HRA or home-loan interest.
- Choose the ITR form. Salary-only taxpayers may use ITR-1 if eligible; capital gains generally require ITR-2; business income may require ITR-3 or ITR-4.
- Use pre-fill and verify. Check salary, TDS, interest, dividends, capital gains and other income against AIS/TIS and your statements.
- Pay any tax due. If self-assessment tax is payable, pay it before final submission and confirm the challan details are reflected.
- Submit and e-verify. After submission, e-verify within 30 days so the return is treated as verified.
Regime and form checks
Before filing, read the new vs old tax regime guide and confirm which ITR form applies. If you have capital gains, also review the capital gains tax guide.
Common filing checklist
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Form 16 matches salary pre-fill | Reduces salary and TDS mismatch risk |
| AIS/TIS reviewed | Helps identify bank interest, dividends and securities transactions |
| Regime selected correctly | Changes slabs, rebate and deductions |
| ITR form chosen correctly | Incorrect form can make the return defective |
| E-verification completed within 30 days | Submission is not complete until verified |
Prepare your numbers before filing
Use the calculator to estimate tax, compare regimes and identify the likely ITR form.
Open Calculator →FAQ
Which documents should I gather before filing ITR?
Keep Form 16, AIS/TIS, bank interest details, capital gains statements, deduction proofs and tax payment details ready before filing.
Where do I file my ITR online?
File your return on the official income-tax portal at incometax.gov.in after logging in with your taxpayer account.
Do I need to e-verify after submitting ITR?
Yes. After submitting your return, complete e-verification within 30 days so the return is treated as verified.
Should I check AIS/TIS before filing?
Yes. Always compare Form 16, bank interest, capital gains statements and other income with AIS/TIS before submitting your return.