How to File ITR Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online has never been easier. The Income Tax Department's e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in lets you complete the entire process from your laptop or phone. This step-by-step guide walks you through filing ITR for Assessment Year 2026-27.

Step 1: Register or Log In

Visit incometax.gov.in and click "Login." If you are a new user, select "Register" and complete registration using your PAN (which serves as your user ID), mobile number, and email. Verify your identity with the OTP sent to your registered mobile and email. Ensure your PAN and Aadhaar are linked — this is mandatory for e-filing.

Step 2: Download Form 26AS and AIS

Before filling your return, download two critical documents from the portal:

Form 26AS: Shows all tax deducted (TDS) and collected (TCS) against your PAN
Annual Information Statement (AIS): Provides a comprehensive view of your financial transactions reported by banks, employers, and other entities

Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Form 26AS / AIS. Cross-check every entry against your own records. Discrepancies should be resolved before filing.

Step 3: Choose the Correct ITR Form

Navigate to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return. Select Assessment Year 2026-27 and choose your filing mode. For most users, "Online" mode with pre-filled data is the fastest option. The portal will suggest an ITR form based on your income sources — verify this matches your situation (ITR-1 for simple salary income, ITR-2 for capital gains, etc.).

Step 4: Pre-Fill and Verify Your Details

The portal pre-fills data from Form 16, AIS, and previous returns. Review each section carefully:

Personal information: Name, address, bank account details for refund
Salary income: Verify gross salary, exemptions, and deductions from Form 16
Other income: Add interest, rental income, or capital gains not pre-filled
Deductions: Claim Section 80C, 80D, 80E, and other deductions with correct amounts
Tax paid: Confirm TDS credits match Form 26AS

Even a small mismatch between your declared income and AIS data can trigger a scrutiny notice, so double-check every figure.

Step 5: Choose Your Tax Regime

Select between the old tax regime (with deductions under 80C, 80D, HRA, etc.) and the new tax regime (lower slab rates but fewer deductions). The portal shows tax liability under both regimes — pick the one that results in lower tax. This choice can be changed each year for non-business taxpayers.

Step 6: Compute Tax and Pay Balance Due

The portal automatically calculates your total tax liability, subtracts TDS/TCS credits, and shows any balance tax due or refund payable. If you owe additional tax, pay it via e-Pay Tax on the portal before submitting your return. Note the challan details for reference.

Step 7: Submit and Verify Your Return

Review the summary page one final time, then click Submit. After submission, you must verify your return within 30 days. Verification options include:

Aadhaar OTP (fastest and most popular)
Net banking through your bank
Demat account
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Sending a signed ITR-V by post to CPC Bengaluru

Aadhaar OTP verification is instant and recommended for most filers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing the wrong ITR form for your income type
Not reporting all bank accounts (mandatory to disclose all active accounts)
Forgetting to claim TDS credits shown in Form 26AS
Missing the verification step — an unverified return is treated as invalid
Entering incorrect bank account details, causing refund delays

Conclusion

Online ITR filing takes 20–30 minutes when your documents are ready. Register on the e-filing portal, verify your pre-filled data against Form 26AS and AIS, choose the right tax regime, and verify your return with Aadhaar OTP. Filing on time keeps you compliant and ensures you receive any refund owed without unnecessary delays.