Income Tax Return (ITR) eFiling
- Fast and Accurate Filing: File your income tax returns online efficiently with the guidance of senior tax experts.
- Comprehensive Support: Assistance for all ITR forms, from ITR-1 to ITR-7 and ITR-U, handled by experienced Chartered Accountants.
- Maximize Refunds and Avoid Notices: Benefit from personalized tax planning and professional advice to optimize refunds and stay compliant.
Overview
Income Tax Return (ITR) filing is a legal requirement for individuals and businesses whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit or who meet specific criteria under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Income Tax Department, under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, oversees the return filing process every financial year.
Whether you are a salaried employee, earn interest income, have income from house property, or receive a family pension, FilingIndia helps you file your returns accurately and on time. Our team of experienced Chartered Accountants ensures timely filing, maximizes refunds, and helps you avoid penalties.
What is Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing?
ITR filing is the process of reporting your total income, deductions, and taxes paid to the Income Tax Department for a specific financial year. It is mandatory for individuals and businesses whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
Why it matters:
Declares your total income and taxes paid – ensures your income is officially recorded.
Helps you claim deductions and refunds – allows you to recover any excess tax paid.
Legally required if income exceeds the exemption threshold – non-compliance can lead to penalties.
Sources of Income for ITR
In India, a source of income refers to the origin of your earnings that must be reported when filing your Income Tax Return (ITR). The Income Tax Department classifies income into specific categories, and each must be declared accurately.
Common sources of income include:
Salary Income – earnings from employment.
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Business or Professional Income – profits from business or freelance work.
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Capital Gains – profits from the sale of shares, mutual funds, or property.
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Income from House Property – rental income or deemed income from owned property.
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Other Income – such as interest from savings accounts, lottery winnings, or dividends.
Benefits of Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing
Filing an Income Tax Return offers several financial and legal advantages, including tax refunds, compliance, and easier access to financial services. Below is a detailed overview of the key benefits:
Tax Refund Claims – Claim any excess tax paid and receive the refund directly in your bank account.
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Legal Compliance – Stay compliant with tax laws and avoid notices, penalties, or legal action.
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Easy Loan Approval – Banks and financial institutions consider ITR a reliable proof of income when approving loans.
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Visa Processing – Many embassies require ITR documents during visa applications.
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Income Verification – Serves as an official, government-recognised record of your income.
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Carry Forward of Losses – Helps reduce future tax liability by carrying forward eligible losses.
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Eligibility for Government Tenders – ITR is often mandatory when applying for government contracts or tenders.
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Quick Document Access – Useful for financial planning, record-keeping, and official requirements.
Who Should File ITR?
Anyone whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit or who meets certain financial criteria is required to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) in India.
As per the Union Budget 2025, the basic exemption limit under the new tax regime has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh. Additionally, the tax rebate under Section 87A has been enhanced, providing greater relief to taxpayers in lower income brackets.
ITR filing applies to a wide range of taxpayers, including:
Salaried Individuals – Those with annual income exceeding the basic exemption limit
Self-Employed Professionals – Freelancers, consultants, and business owners with taxable income
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – Individuals earning or receiving income in India
Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) – Earning income from ancestral property or investments
Companies and Firms – Required to file ITRs regardless of profit or loss
Even if your income is below the exemption limit, the Government of India encourages voluntary ITR filing, which is helpful for loan approvals, visa applications, and maintaining proper financial records.
FilingIndia assists all types of taxpayers by providing accurate, timely, and hassle-free Income Tax Return filing services.
Documents Required for ITR Filing
To file your Income Tax Return (ITR) accurately, you’ll need key documents like PAN, Aadhaar, Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs. Here is a detailed outline of the same:
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Salary-Related Documents |
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| Business / Capital Gains Documents |
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| Other Income & Investment Documents |
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Eligibility Criteria for ITR Filing
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Income Threshold |
Individuals must file an ITR if their total annual income exceeds the basic exemption limit:
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| Residential Status | Tax liability depends on the number of days stayed in India during a financial year. Residents are taxed on global income, while Non-Residents are taxed only on income earned in India. |
| NRI Criteria | NRIs must file an ITR if they earn income from Indian sources such as rent, salary, capital gains, or interest from savings and fixed deposits. |
| Business / Profession | Individuals engaged in business or profession (including freelancers, consultants, and gig workers) must file an ITR if their gross receipts exceed the limits prescribed under income tax laws. |
| Foreign Assets | Resident individuals holding foreign bank accounts, financial interests, or assets outside India must file an ITR even if their income is below the basic exemption limit. |
Steps: Income Tax Return (ITR) e-Filing Procedure
E-filing of Income Tax Returns (ITR) is mandatory for most taxpayers in India. Returns can be filed through the official Income Tax Department portal or using third-party software providers approved by the Ministry of Finance.
For the best experience, it is recommended to use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox and ensure your system settings and screen resolution are compatible with the portal. The platform also supports other major browsers such as Safari.
Filing your ITR online is quick, secure, and hassle-free with FilingIndia. Our experts ensure accurate preparation and timely submission, helping you save time and avoid penalties.
Step-by-Step ITR e-Filing Process
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Step 1: Document Collection
Gather all required income, deduction, and investment documents, such as Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs.
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Step 2: Secure Upload
Upload your documents securely to the Income Tax e-filing portal or share them through a trusted service provider.
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Step 3: Expert Review
Your return is prepared and reviewed by a qualified tax expert or Chartered Accountant, if required, to ensure accuracy and compliance.
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Step 4: File ITR Online
Submit your ITR on the Income Tax portal and complete the process by e-verifying the return.
Types of ITR Forms & Their Applicability
The Income Tax Department has introduced seven ITR forms for FY 2024–25, each designed for different categories of taxpayers based on their income sources and taxpayer status.
Below is an overview of the different ITR forms and their applicability:
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ITR-1 (Sahaj) – For salaried individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh.
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ITR-2 – For individuals and HUFs with capital gains or income from more than one house property.
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ITR-3 – For individuals and HUFs earning income from business or profession.
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ITR-4 (Sugam) – For individuals, HUFs, and firms opting for the presumptive income scheme, including small businesses and freelancers.
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ITR-5 – For partnership firms, LLPs, and certain associations.
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ITR-6 – For companies other than those claiming exemption under Section 11.
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ITR-7 – For trusts, political parties, and charitable or religious institutions required to file returns under specific sections of the Income Tax Act.
Income Tax Return Filing Deadlines & Penalties
Missing Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadlines can result in penalties, interest charges, and loss of certain tax benefits. Filing your return on time is essential to remain compliant with tax laws and ensure smooth processing of refunds.
Filing Deadlines & Penalties
Failing to meet the prescribed ITR deadlines may lead to financial penalties, interest on unpaid taxes, and restrictions on carrying forward losses.
Regular Return Deadline
The standard deadline for filing an ITR is 31st July of the assessment year (the year following the relevant financial year). Filing within this deadline helps you avoid late fees and ensures quicker processing of refunds.
Belated Return Deadline
If you miss the regular due date, you can file a belated return by 31st December of the assessment year. However, late filing may limit certain benefits, such as the ability to carry forward losses. Both revised and belated returns must be filed within the time limits prescribed for the applicable assessment year.
Late-Filing Fees & Interest
A late filing fee of up to ₹10,000 may be levied under Section 234F, depending on the delay.
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Additionally, interest at 1% per month is charged on any outstanding tax amount from the original due date until the tax is paid.
How to File ITR Without Form 16?
You can file your Income Tax Return (ITR) even if you do not have Form 16 by using alternative documents that reflect your income and tax deductions.
Here’s how:
Using Payslips – Compile your monthly salary slips along with bank statements to calculate your total income and deductions.
Leveraging Form 26AS – Download your tax credit statement from the TRACES portal to verify taxes deducted at source (TDS) and other tax credits.
These documents together provide sufficient information to accurately file your ITR in the absence of Form 16.
Expert Support After Filing Your ITR
Our support doesn’t end with filing your Income Tax Return. We continue to assist you post-filing to ensure smooth follow-up and timely resolution of any issues.
Revised & Belated Returns Assistance
Assistance with filing revised returns to correct errors or omissions
Support for submitting belated returns after the prescribed deadline
Refund Tracking & Follow-Up
Continuous monitoring of your refund status until the amount is credited to your bank account
Assistance in communicating with the Income Tax Department, if required
Why Choose FilingIndia for ITR Filing?
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) can be stressful, but with FilingIndia, you’re in safe hands. We combine expert guidance, advanced security, and a client-first approach to make your tax filing seamless, accurate, and hassle-free. Whether you are a salaried professional, self-employed individual, or business owner, our platform ensures transparency and complete data protection.
Why FilingIndia stands out:
Trusted Expertise: Over 10 years of experience as a reliable ITR partner
Client Satisfaction: Verified by thousands of 5-star client reviews
CA-Backed Accuracy: Ensures zero filing errors
Secure Platform: Fully encrypted portal for maximum data protection
Data Safety Guaranteed: Your personal and financial information is secure with us
Start and grow your business in India with FilingIndia’s expert support.
