How to File Income Tax Return Online
Filing your ITR on the e-filing portal is free and fairly simple once you know the flow. Here's the full step-by-step for AY 2026-27 — from login to e-verification — plus when it's smarter to let a CA handle it.
Prefer a CA to file it? Tap hereTo file your income tax return online: log in to the income tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in), go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return, select AY 2026-27 and the right ITR form, review the pre-filled data against your AIS and 26AS, pay any tax due, submit, and e-verify within 30 days.
Three things to have ready
PAN linked to Aadhaar
Your PAN must be active and linked to Aadhaar, or filing and e-verification will fail.
Registered on the portal
Have your login ready for incometax.gov.in. Register with your PAN if you haven't.
How to file your ITR online, step by step
Nine steps on the income tax e-filing portal for AY 2026-27. Allow 30–60 minutes the first time.
Log in to the e-filing portal
Go to incometax.gov.in and sign in with your PAN (User ID) and password. New user? Register first.
Open the return filing screen
Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return.
Select year, status and mode
Choose Assessment Year 2026-27, your status (Individual / HUF / others), and Online mode.
Pick the correct ITR form
Select the form that matches your income — ITR-1 to ITR-4 for most individuals. The portal can suggest one.
Choose your reason for filing
State why you're filing — income above the limit, a refund claim, or another reason.
Review and reconcile pre-filled data
Salary, interest, TDS and more are pre-filled. Check every figure against your AIS and Form 26AS and correct any mismatch.
Enter income, deductions and pick the regime
Add anything missing, claim eligible deductions, and confirm old vs new regime. For business income, file Form 10-IEA if you want the old regime.
Pay any tax due, then submit
If tax is payable, pay it as self-assessment tax and enter the challan details, then submit the return.
E-verify within 30 days
Verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking or other options. Without e-verification, your return is not treated as filed.
Filing isn't done until you e-verify
A submitted return that isn't verified within 30 days is treated as not filed — which can mean a late-filing penalty even though you "submitted" on time. Verify instantly with Aadhaar OTP, net banking, your bank account or demat account.
What late filing costs →Common mistakes when filing online
Choosing the wrong ITR form
Filing in the wrong form can make your return defective. Match the form to your income type.
Ignoring AIS / 26AS mismatches
Unreported income that shows in AIS is the top trigger for a notice. Reconcile every entry.
Picking the costlier regime
Many over-pay by defaulting to one regime. Compare both before you confirm.
Forgetting to e-verify
An unverified return is not filed. Verify within 30 days, every time.
When a CA is worth it
A simple salary-only return is easy to self-file. But these situations are where a CA usually saves more than the fee — in tax, in time, and in avoided notices.
Fine to self-file
- Only salary or pension income
- One house, simple interest income
- No capital gains or business
- New regime, no deductions to optimise
Get a CA
- Business or professional income
- Capital gains on shares or property
- Multiple income sources or foreign income
- You've had a notice, or want to optimise tax
Filing ITR online — FAQs
How do I file an income tax return online?
Log in to the income tax e-filing portal, go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return, choose AY 2026-27 and the right ITR form, review the pre-filled data against your AIS and 26AS, pay any tax due, submit, and e-verify within 30 days.
Which portal do I use to file ITR online?
The official Income Tax Department e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in. Filing there is free.
Do I have to e-verify my return?
Yes. A return that is not e-verified within 30 days is treated as not filed, which can attract a late-filing penalty. Verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking or other options.
Can I file my ITR without Form 16?
Yes. Form 16 makes it easier, but you can file using your salary slips, AIS, Form 26AS and bank statements to compute income and TDS.
How long does online filing take?
For a simple salary-only return, about 30–60 minutes the first time. Complex cases with business income or capital gains take longer and are where a CA helps.
Is it better to file myself or use a CA?
Self-file simple salary returns; use a CA for business income, capital gains, multiple sources, foreign income, or if you've received a notice — the savings and peace of mind usually outweigh the fee.
Rather not wrestle with the portal?
Send your documents on WhatsApp and a Chartered Accountant files your ITR for you — right form, best regime, every deduction, e-verified and on time.
Have a CA file my ITRThis step-by-step guide to filing income tax return online is for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) and is for general information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Portal steps and requirements may change. Verify the current process on the official e-filing portal, or consult a Chartered Accountant, before filing.