Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Online Tax Returns in India

Filing an income tax return is now easy with the online tax return. With e-filing or online filings, it is convenient to file the return from your space in a short time. E-filing has made the income tax returns in India quick and hassle-free.

Have you delayed your tax returns this year? Know about the last dates of filing.

The Income Tax Department of India has extended the due date for filing an income tax return in the wake of pandemic COVID-19 to 31 December 2020. An individual, whose accounts don’t require auditing can file returns for the year 2019-2020 till the end of this year. However, those taxpayers whose accounts need auditing can furnish the ITR till 31st January 2021.

Get started with the online filing of your income tax return

Here are detailed steps for filing an online ITR:

• Login to the ITR porta: login to www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in for e-filing. Then register using your PAN (Permanent Account Number) which will be user ID.
• Download the relevant IT form: Go to downloads, go to e-filing under the required assessment year, and then select the relevant ITR form. In case you are a salaried individual, download ITR-1’s (Sahaj) return software.
• Fill form 16: Open the downloaded return preparation software (excel utility), follow instructions, and fill in the details from your form 16.
• Calculate all the tax liability: Calculate tax payable, pay tax, and enter the challan details in the tax return. However, you can skip this step, if you don’t have a tax liability.
• Confirm the details: Confirm the details filed by you and generate an XML file, which gets automatically saved in your PC.
• Submit your return: Go to the section-submit Return’ and upload the XML file.
• Give your digital signature: You can digitally sign the file on being prompted. You can skip the step if you don’t have a digital signature.
• Confirmation form ITR verification: A confirmation message of successfully e-filing flashes on your screen. An acknowledgment form–ITR verification is generated and can be downloaded. You also have this in your registered email id.
• E-verify your tax return: E-verify your return in any of the following modes:
  • Netbanking
  • Bank ATM
  • Aadhar OTP.
  • Demat Account Number.
  • Registered Mobile Number and Email Id.

How can you download ITR?

To avoid last minutes stress and penalties, always file your return on time. When you file your ITR, the IT department generates an income tax verification form to validate and legitimate e-filing. It applies to those taxpayers who don’t have a digital signature.

Download ITR-V form in easy steps:

1. Log in to the income tax India portal
2. Click on the ‘View Returns/Form option’ to view your e-filed returns.

Select the options income tax return

• Click on the acknowledgment number to download the ITR-V.
• Download ITR-V
• To open the downloaded document, enter a password- the PAN number in the lower letter with your date of birth.

How can you check the refund status?

Once you file an ITR and claim for the refund, you can check the status of your tax refund online.

• Log in to www. Incometaxindia.gov.in portal or www.nsdl.com.
• Enter your PAN number and assessment year.
• Check your status.