how to file your income tax return step by step for the fiscal year 2025–26
how to file your income tax return step by step for the fiscal year 2025–26
For every taxpayer, making an income tax return is a regular task that needs to be done every year. The ITR filing process is also necessary for many reasons, such as keeping records and managing finances, and it can also help with getting a loan in the future.
To keep track of when people need to file their Income Tax Return for FY 2025–26, the deadline for audit cases is October 31, 2025, and the deadline for non-audit cases is July 31, 2025. People who are expected to give a report under section 92E have until November 30, 2025, to file their income tax return.
Keep this in mind: everyone with an income of 2.5 lakhs or more a year (except seniors) needs to file their income tax returns online and ask for a refund. It is a big job, but it is simple to keep track of payments and ITR returns online.
Meaning of “e-filing”
What is e-filing? It is the process of sending your tax returns online. The government lets people file their Income Tax Return (ITR) either online or in person, depending on what is easiest for them. But E-filing, or electronic ITR Filing, has replaced the old way of filing returns by mail because many people find it easier to do their taxes from work without having to deal with a lot of paperwork. The best thing about e-filing is that it is free.
Why Should You File ITR Before the Due Date?
Being sure that all the information in the accounts is correct is the right thing to do. Also, the ITR reports that are filed need a lot more care. To avoid making mistakes, it’s important to double-check papers like tax returns, interest income records, and so on. The chances of making a mistake go down if the ITR is returned.
The loss will happen sooner: The plan for income taxes is to carry over losses from one fiscal year to the next. Taxpayers can get this, though, if they file their ITR before the due date.
Quick Refund: People who pay their taxes and file their return before November 30 can get their refunds faster. It may be possible to file the ITR earlier before it gives quick tax refunds.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file your ITR for FY 2025–26.
The Constitution of India says that everyone who is a recognized taxpayer in India must file an income tax return every year. Because of the rise of technology in India, the only way to file an ITR now is online.
E-filing, also known as electronic filing, is the process of filing your income tax return online. This article will tell you everything you need to know about e-filing ITR, including what it is, who can do it, when it’s due, and so on.
First, the individual needs to figure out exactly how much of his income is taxed based on the current tax rules that apply to him. You can figure out your free income tax here.
They will need to get all the financial documents, like proof of income, stocks, assets, and bank accounts. They will also need government documents, like their Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrolment ID. You don’t have to attach these papers when you file your ITR online, but you do need them to fill out the form because they have your information on them.
When filing the IT online, you will also need proof of income from sources other than salary, such as capital gains, rental income, and dividend income. It is also suggested that filers keep a separate file of proof for each previous ITR filed.
The most important thing for the person being taxed to have before filing their ITR is the papers that are needed. Some of the documents the assessee would need based on the type of income he has are:
With an Aadhaar card or registration number, you can get a PAN card.
Information about local debts and assets
Specifics about foreign assets
Documents about income
On Form 16/16A/16B, you can list your income.
If needed, include a balance sheet, a profit and loss statement, and any other audit records.
Information about sales, turnover, and gross receipts for the year
Documents related to banks
List of all bank accounts held during the year, including the account number, name, IFSC code, and type of account
Documents about taxes
Copy of your tax return from last year TDS certificate Savings certificate or reduction Form 26AS to double-check TDS information
Documents about real estate
There must be a buyer agreement, a sale deed, and investment papers that show the capital gains on the sale and any exemptions that were taken advantage of.
Lease paperwork to show rental income
Documents about investments and expenses
Proof that you invested, like a bill from a mutual fund account
Receiving the premiums for life insurance plans
Medical insurance payments and receipts for regular checkups, among other things.
One more thing, like proof of gift
To file your income tax, go to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in, which is the official site. Go to Downloads and then click on AY > Get the Common Offline Utility >> Set up the software.
Downloadable Income Tax Software for Making ITRs
Make an account for e-filing your ITR
Once you have all the papers you need, you need to go to the website of the Income Tax Department and log in to your ITR e-filing account. For getting in, you will need information like your PAN (user ID) and password.
But if a taxpayer is filing their ITR for the first time, they can do so on the same website by giving a few more information.
Once someone is logged into their ITR e-filing account, they need to click “filing of the income tax return” on the screen. After that, pick the tax year (AY) for which the user needs to file an ITR. Then pick the ITR form. There is a law called ITR 3 that everyone who makes money from their business or job has to file.
People, HUFs, and firms (other than LLP) that live in India and have a total income of up to Rs 50 Lakhs (75 Lakhs if 95% of their income comes from online sales) and income from business and profession that is calculated under section 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE must file ITR-4. This is not necessary for people who are directors of a company or who have invested in unlisted equity shares.
Experts in taxes say that ITR-1 doesn’t apply to people who don’t live in India or aren’t normally residents. They also say that ITR-2 doesn’t apply to people or HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) who make money from any business or job and need to file ITR-3.
Also see: Important Steps for People Who Have Never Filed an Income Tax Return Before
It is important to be careful because if you choose the wrong ITR form, that form is thought to be defective. It’s also not a good idea to switch ITR forms, since ITR 1 and ITR 2 are two different forms. People with an income of more than 50 lakhs and one or more homes file ITR 2. People with an income of less than 50 lakhs and one home file ITR 1.
For example, if someone filed ITR 1 instead of ITR 2, that would be called a bad return, and they would have to file a new ITR using the right form. You have to file the report by the due date.
ITR 1: For individuals who live in India but don’t normally reside there and have a total income of up to 50 lakhs rupees from salaries, a single-family home, other sources of income (like interest, dividends, etc.), and agricultural income of up to 5 thousand rupees. This does not apply to individuals who are directors of a company or who have invested in unlisted equity shares.
People and HUFs who don’t make money from business or job profits can use ITR 2.
ITR 3: This form is for individuals and HUFs that make money from their business or job.
ITR 4: For individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLP) that are residents and have a total income of up to 50 lakhs and income from business and profession calculated under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE, as well as agricultural income of up to 5 thousand rupees. This form is not applicable to individuals who are directors of a company or who have invested in unlisted equity shares.
If you are not an individual, a HUF, a company, or someone filling Form ITR-7, you need to fill out ITR 5.
ITR 6 is for companies that aren’t excused under Section 11. ITR 7 is for people and businesses that have to file returns under Sections 139(4A), 139(4B), 139(4C), or 139(4D).
A financial year is the income made in the previous year. An assessment year is the year after the previous year that the taxpayer figures out their income and files their income tax return.
After making sure the information is correct, click the “Download JSON” button.
Putting the JSON file on the official income tax site is the last thing that needs to be done. Sign in to the site > Click on “e-file” > From the dropdown menu, choose “Income Tax Return.”
The most important piece of information is the Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrollment ID. You need this information in order to make an ITR return online; the system won’t let you do it without it.
“ITR forms are asking for a lot of new information,” the expert said. “For example, rather than giving a single amount of income or loss, you now have to break down your salary and house property income on the ITR-1 form.”
Check your information and add it to the portal. This is the last thing you need to do to file the IT report. From the date you send in your return, the ITR window will stay open for 30 days so that your return can be checked. A copy of ITR-V that has been properly signed can also be sent to the Central Processing Center tax office by regular or fast mail.
The amount of money a person makes each year determines whether they are eligible to file an ITR. The amount below is the cutoff point that determines whether to file the taxes or not.
People younger than 60 who make at least Rs. 2.5 lakhs a year
People between the ages of 60 and 80 who make at least Rs.3 lakhs a year
People over 80 years old whose annual income is Rs 5 lakhs or more
There are other reasons why people need to file their taxes, such as:
Source of income: a salary, rent from a house, money from a business or profession, etc.
Receiving the return — By law, a person must file their ITR if they want to receive a refund from the government.
Applying for a loan or visa — If someone files their ITR regularly, it is easier for them to get a loan or visa.
A Business: Every company registered in India that does business there has to make returns.
The Assessment Year comes right after the Financial Year. It’s when the income from the previous financial year is added up to figure out how much tax is due.
The financial year is the time when a business, person, or other financial organization makes money. It’s said that the time frame runs from April 1 to March 31.
Use the tax tool to get an exact idea of how much tax you need to pay. You can get the tool for free online. With this tool, you can get a correct picture of your tax obligations for three consecutive fiscal years at the same time.
Non-assessees are told to use e-filing
It is always good for both the taxpayer and the government to file a report. If a person is not paying taxes, they can make a “zero return.” This will help you if you want to get a visa or get a loan from the bank.
Taxpayers can easily use the same account to file more than one return. Good e-filing income tax software lets you file forms for both this year and the previous year from the same user account. You can figure out how much is due and file your taxes from the comfort of your own home at any time.
There are times when people are in trouble because they have forgotten their IT passwords for their tax returns. You should always keep the credentials in a safe place that only the taxpayer, the relevant CA, or the accountant can get to.
For this reason, there is a way to change a password. To do this, go to “Forget your Password,” enter your PAN, and then choose the right choice. The Income Tax Department will then verify your OTP and give you a way to change your password.
Note: It is suggested that the PAN be included with the Aadhaar number in the IT returns. In the event that Aadhaar has not been received yet, the registration number may be written in the return.
File Your ITR with Expert Help from Real Tax India
Don’t let confusion delay your filing. Trust Real Tax India to file your income tax return on time and with accuracy. Whether you’re salaried, a freelancer, or a business owner, we’ve got you covered!
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