Government Services

File Income Tax Return Online

Understand the basic steps for preparing and submitting an income-tax return online.

TimeAbout 15–45 minutes once records are ready.

DifficultyMedium

EligibilityDepends on the ITR form and taxpayer category.

Task overview

What you need to do

Overview

Understand the basic steps for preparing and submitting an income-tax return online.

Steps

Open the correct official or trusted service.
Keep the required information and documents ready.
Enter details carefully and review them before submission.
Complete the process and save the acknowledgement or result.

Important

Requirements, fees, eligibility, deadlines and portal screens can change. Verify the current instructions on the relevant official website before submitting important information.

Official portalIncome Tax e-Filing Portal

Start hereKeep your PAN, Aadhaar-linked mobile/email and return-related records ready.

Due / date ruleFor AY 2026-27, the applicable due date depends on taxpayer category; check the current filing notice before submitting.

FeeGovernment filing is generally free; late-filing fee or tax may apply where applicable.

Step by step

How to complete this task

6 steps

1

Collect income documents

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Gather Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, bank interest certificates and investment proofs.

2

Log in to the e-filing portal

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Sign in at incometax.gov.in with your PAN as user ID.

3

Choose the correct ITR form

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Select the ITR form applicable to your income sources (salary, business, capital gains, etc.).

4

Pre-fill and review data

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Use the pre-filled data option and cross-check every figure against your own records.

5

Claim deductions

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Enter eligible deductions under sections such as 80C, 80D as applicable.

6

Submit and e-verify

Complete this step before moving to the next one.

Submit the return and e-verify it (Aadhaar OTP, net banking or DSC) within the required time.

Open official source

Dates

Due date and filing window

Current official filing schedule

For AY 2026-27, the applicable due date depends on taxpayer category; check the current filing notice before submitting.

Before you finish

Final checklist

Confirm the requirement for File Income Tax Return Online.
Prepare only the information or documents required for File Income Tax Return Online.
Use the correct official or destination service for File Income Tax Return Online.
Complete each required field or operation and review it.
Save the final result or reference for File Income Tax Return Online.

Official source

Verify the latest information

Use the official website to confirm current requirements, fees, dates and submission rules before completing an important application.

Open official website