How to File Income Tax Return Online FY 2025-26

Introduction

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is not just a legal obligation, it’s an important financial habit. Whether you are salaried, self-employed, or earning through multiple sources, knowing how to file income tax return properly helps you stay compliant and claim refunds without hassle.

With digital systems in place, income tax return filing online India has become simple, paperless, and fast. This guide explains everything you need to know for FY 2025-26 in an easy, step-by-step manner.

ITR Basics You Must Know

• ITR stands for Income Tax Return.
  
• It is a form where you declare your annual income, tax paid, deductions claimed, and refund due.
  
• Filing is done through the official Income Tax e-filing portal.
  
• Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 refers to income earned between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
  
• Assessment Year (AY) will be 2026-27.
  

Filing ITR is important for:

• Claiming refunds
  
• Applying for loans or visas
  
• Maintaining financial records
  
• Avoiding penalties
  

Eligibility: Who Needs to File ITR

You must file ITR if:

• Your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit
  
• You want to claim a tax refund
  
• You have foreign assets or foreign income
  
• You deposited large amounts in bank accounts
  
• You are self-employed or running a business
  
• You want smoother approval for financial products like a personal loan online
  

Even if your income is below taxable limits, filing ITR helps build a documented financial profile.

Documents Required for Filing ITR

Here are the common documents required for ITR filing:

• PAN Card
  
• Aadhaar Card
  
• Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
  
• Form 26AS
  
• AIS (Annual Information Statement)
  
• Bank account statements
  
• Investment proofs (80C, 80D etc.)
  
• Home loan or education loan interest certificate
  
• Capital gains statements (if applicable)
  

Keep all documents ready before starting the filing process.

Types of ITR Forms (Choose the Right One)

Understanding types of ITR forms 2025 is crucial.

Choosing the wrong form can lead to rejection.

Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online

Here’s how income tax return filing online India works:

Step 1: Visit Official Portal

Go to the Income Tax e-filing website.

Step 2: Login

Use PAN as your User ID.

Step 3: Select “File Income Tax Return”

Choose Assessment Year 2026-27.

Step 4: Select Filing Mode

Choose online filing.

Step 5: Select Correct ITR Form

Based on your income type.

Step 6: Pre-Filled Information

Verify personal details and income data.

Step 7: Enter Additional Details

Add:

• Other income
  
• Deductions
  
• Capital gains
  
• Interest income
  

Step 8: Verify Tax Computation

Check tax payable or refund amount.

Step 9: Submit & E-Verify

E-verify using:

• Aadhaar OTP
  
• Net banking
  
• Bank account validation
  
• DSC (if required)
  

Your ITR is filed successfully after verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong ITR form
  
• Not reporting all income sources
  
• Forgetting interest income from savings accounts
  
• Mismatch between Form 26AS and declared income
  
• Missing deduction claims
  
• Not e-verifying return within 30 days
  

Even small errors can delay refunds.

How to Check ITR Filing Status

After submission:

1. Login to the e-filing portal
   
2. Click “View Filed Returns”
   
3. Check status
   

Common statuses:

• Successfully e-verified
  
• Pending for verification
  
• Processed
  
• Refund issued
  

Refund: How to Claim & Track

If excess tax is paid:

• Refund is automatically processed
  
• Amount is credited to your registered bank account
  
• Track refund status via portal
  

Ensure your bank account is pre-validated.

Amend ITR – If Filed Incorrectly

If you discover errors:

• File a Revised Return
  
• Use the same ITR form
  
• Mention original return acknowledgment number
  

Revised returns can be filed before the assessment deadline.

Penalties for Late Filing

If you miss the deadline:

• ₹1,000 penalty (income below ₹5 lakh)
  
• ₹5,000 penalty (income above ₹5 lakh)
  
• Interest on unpaid tax
  
• Loss of ability to carry forward losses
  

Filing on time saves money and stress.

Why ITR Filing Matters for Financial Growth

A consistent ITR record helps when applying for:

• Credit cards
  
• Home loans
  
• Business loans
  
• Personal loan online
  
• Faster approvals via digital lending platforms
  

Financial institutions consider ITR history as proof of income stability.

If you ever need emergency funds, using a trusted quick loan app with documented ITRs improves eligibility and approval speed.

Final Thoughts

Filing ITR for FY 2025-26 does not have to be complicated. With proper documentation and correct form selection, you can complete the process smoothly in under an hour.

Timely filing ensures:

• Compliance
  
• Refund claims
  
• Strong financial record
  
• Easier access to credit products
  

Stay organised, file early, and treat tax filing as part of your annual financial planning routine.

FAQs

1. How to file an income tax return for the first time?
Register on the income tax portal, select the correct ITR form, fill income details, and e-verify.

2. Is filing ITR mandatory below ₹2.5 lakh income?
Not mandatory, but recommended for documentation and loan eligibility.

3. How long does it take to get an ITR refund?
Usually 2–6 weeks after successful verification.

4. Can I file ITR without Form 16?
Yes, but you must use salary slips and AIS to calculate income correctly.

5. What happens if I don’t verify my ITR?
The return is treated as invalid.