How to File Income Tax Returns (ITR) Online in India – Step-by-Step Guide [FY 2024–25, AY 2025

Introduction: Why Filing ITR Matters in 2025

Income tax is a tax charged on the annual income of an individual or business earned in a financial year. The Income Tax system in India is governed by the Income Tax Act, 1961, which lays out the rules and regulations for income tax calculation, assessment, and collection.

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is more than a tax task — it’s a responsible financial habit. Whether you’re salaried, self-employed, or a freelancer, filing helps you:

· Avoid penalties

· Claim TDS refunds

· Get loan approvals and visa clearances

· Maintain financial transparency

For FY 2024–25 (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025), returns must be filed in Assessment Year 2025–26, before 31st July 2025 (non-audit cases).

Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26)

You can choose between the Old and New Tax Regime. Here's a comparison:

New Tax Regime (Default Regime)

Income Range	Tax Rate
0 – 3,00,000	Nil
3,00,001 – 6,00,000	5%
6,00,001 – 9,00,000	10%
9,00,001 – 12,00,000	15%
12,00,001 – 15,00,000	20%
Above 15,00,000	30%

· Standard Deduction: 50,000

· Section 87A Rebate: Up to 25,000 (if taxable income ≤ 7 lakh)

Old Tax Regime

Income Range	Tax Rate
0 – 2,50,000	Nil
2,50,001 – 5,00,000	5%
5,00,001 – 10,00,000	20%
Above 10,00,000	30%

· Eligible for deductions like 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan, etc.

· Section 87A Rebate: 12,500 if taxable income ≤ 5 lakh

Registering on the Income Tax Portal

Before filing, register at: https://www.incometax.gov.in

Steps:

1. Click "Register" > “Taxpayer” / “Others” ( for CA,Tax Deductor & Collector, Non Resident not holding pan , External Agency and Tin 2.0 Stakeholder).
We will cover Taxpayer

2. Enter PAN then click on Validate (if already registered then it will show error otherwise you can proceed for registration process)

3. Basic Details( Name ,DOB,Gender,Resident/Non-resident, Contact Details Address ).

4. Verify with Primary mobile number OTP and Email OTP.

5. Set password and security questions.

6. Registration complete ✔

Want to learn more about the registration process on the Income Tax Portal —

whether you're a taxpayer, business, or other entity?
Let me know in the comments below! If enough interest is shown, I’ll publish a detailed, step-by-step blog soon to guide you through the entire registration process.

Which ITR Form to Use? (FY 2024–25)

Form	Applicable To
ITR-1	Salaried (Income < 50L), 1 house, no business income
ITR-2	Capital gains, >1 house property, foreign assets
ITR-3	Income from business or profession
ITR-4	Presumptive income (44AD/44ADA) like freelancers, traders
ITR-5	LLPs, AOPs, partnership firms
ITR-6	Companies not claiming Section 11 exemptions
ITR-7	Trusts, NGOs, political parties, etc. under Sec 139(4A–D)

Documents Required

· PAN, Aadhaar

· Form 16 (salaried)

· Form 26AS & AIS/TIS

· Interest certificates from banks

· Investment proofs (LIC, ELSS, NPS, etc.)

· Home loan certificate (if claiming deduction)

· Capital gain statements (shares, crypto, etc.)

· Bank account details for refund

Step-by-Step ITR Filing Process [Online]

Step 1: Login

Go to incometax.gov.in → Click Login
Use PAN + password + OTP

Dashboard and Worklist (Taxpayer) User Manual

Step 2: File Return

Click “File Income Tax Return”

· Choose AY: 2025–26

· Mode: Online

· Category: Individual

· ITR Form: As per income type

Step 3: Fill Return Form

· Personal info is auto-filled

· Enter income (salary, capital gains, business)

· Add deductions (if old regime)

· Choose tax regime (new/old)

· Validate and check summary

Detailed User Manual for - ITR-1Sahaj

Note:

It's highly recommended to prepare a checklist of all income and deduction-related documents before filing.

Also, create a rough calculation sheet (in Excel or on paper) to summarize your total income, deductions, and tax liability. This will help you cross-check every detail while filling your ITR and avoid costly mistakes

Step 4: Preview and Submit

Check all values. Ensure Form 26AS and AIS data matches.

Double-check Form 26AS and AIS before filing.
Since TDS returns for Q4 are filed by 31st May, these forms may not reflect all income or deductions if you file too early. It’s best to wait until after 31st May to ensure all data is updated — unless you’re certain everything is already reflected correctly.

Step 5: e-Verify Return

Verify using:

· Aadhaar OTP

· Net banking

· Bank/Demat account
Without verification, your return isn’t valid!

Note: The CBDT has reduced the time limit of ITR verification to 30 days (from 120 days) from the date of return submission. The new rule is applicable for the returns filed online on or after 1st August 2022. E-verification is the most convenient and instant method for verifying your ITR.

Pro Tips

· Use pre-filled forms – they save time

· Compare tax under old vs new regime using official calculator

· Match income with AIS/26AS to avoid notices

· Keep your ITR-V (acknowledgment) safe

· File early to avoid portal delays and penalties

Key Dates for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26)

Event	Due Date
ITR Filing (non-audit)	31st July 2025 extended to 15 Sep 2025
Audit Cases	31st Oct 2025
Revised ITR	31st Dec 2025

Note: The return last date can be changes by CBDT as per circumstances these are the dates which are final as on date.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR for FY 2024–25 is simple if you stay prepared. Register, collect documents, check 26AS/AIS, and file before the deadline to enjoy faster refunds and peace of mind.

➡ The SVibes recommends filing early to stay compliant and stress-free!

➡You can connect us for Income Tax filling- Email : shubhworld000@gmail.com

Got a question about your return? Drop it in the comments or contact us for help!
~ The SVibes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to file ITR for FY 2024–25?

The last date is 31st July 2025 for most individual taxpayers.But this year extended to 15 September 2025.

Can I file ITR without Form 16?

Yes, but you should use your salary slips and Form 26AS/AIS to calculate your income.

How do I verify my return after filing?

You can e-verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank account/Demat account verification.

What if I choose the wrong tax regime?

You can revise your return (if filed before the deadline) or select the right regime next year.

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