A Comprehensive Guide to Online Income Tax Return Filing for Financial Year 2024-25 • WFYI

The Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form used by individuals and entities to declare their annual income and calculate their tax liability to the Income Tax Department of India. Filing an ITR is crucial for compliance with tax laws and for claiming refunds or carrying forward losses. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for filing your ITR both online and offline for the Assessment Year 2025-26, covering the Financial Year 2024-25.

Income Tax Return Due Date Extension 2025

For individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) not subject to a tax audit, the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns has been extended to September 16, 2025. This extension was announced due to reported glitches and errors within the tax portal.

How to File ITR Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to file your ITR online for the Assessment Year 2025-26 via the Income Tax Portal:

Step 1: Access the Income Tax Portal

Begin by logging into the official income tax portal using your Permanent Account Number (PAN) and password.

Step 2: Select Assessment Year and Filing Method

Choose 'AY 2025-26' as your Assessment Year if you are filing for the Financial Year 2024-25. Then, select the 'Online' mode and click "Continue".

Step 3: Specify Your Filing Status

Indicate your applicable filing status, such as 'Individual' or 'HUF', and then proceed by clicking "Continue".

Step 4: Choose the Appropriate ITR Form

Selecting the correct ITR form is essential before proceeding. The choice depends on your income sources. ITR Forms 1 through 4 are designated for individuals and HUFs. For example, if you have capital gains but no income from a business or profession, ITR 2 would be the correct form to use.

Step 5: State the Reason for Filing

You will be prompted to explain why you are filing your return. Select the relevant option, such as when your taxable income surpasses the basic exemption limit or if you meet specific predefined criteria.

Step 6: Complete Information, Validate, Confirm, and Submit

Many personal details, including your PAN, Aadhaar number, name, contact information, and bank details, will be pre-filled in your ITR. Carefully review and verify this pre-filled data. Ensure that your bank account information is accurate and pre-validated. As you progress through the form, declare all income sources, applicable exemptions, and deductions. Cross-reference the pre-filled data with records from your employer and bank accounts. Finally, confirm the return summary, validate the details, and pay any outstanding tax liability before submitting your return.

Step 7: Electronically Verify Your ITR

The final and critical step involves electronically verifying your ITR within 30 days of submission. Failure to complete this verification will result in your return being considered as not filed. Verification methods include using Aadhaar OTP, Electronic Verification Code (EVC), Net Banking, or sending a physically signed copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru.

How to File ITR Offline

For those preferring an offline method, here's a guide:

Step 1: Download the Offline Utility

Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal (https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/login) and navigate to the downloads section.

Step 2: Install the Utility

Download and install the common offline utility on your computer.

Step 3: Initiate Return Filing

Open the utility and select the 'File Return' option.

Step 4: Download Pre-fill Data

On the subsequent page, choose the 'Download Pre-fill' option.

Step 5: Enter PAN and Assessment Year

Provide your PAN and the relevant assessment year, then click 'proceed'.

Step 6: Log In to the Utility

Step 7: Confirm Details and File

Your name, PAN, assessment year, and the download date will be displayed. Click 'File Return'.

Step 8: Select Status and ITR Form

Select your status (Individual, HUF, or Others) and then choose the appropriate ITR form.

Step 9: Provide General and Bank Information

Fill in the general information section, which typically includes your personal details like address, and ensure your bank account details are correct.

Step 10: Input Income Details

Enter your income details. Information from Form 26AS is often automatically populated; add any missed income details as necessary.

Step 11: Review and Validate

Preview your income, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), and tax details. Proceed to validation. After providing a declaration, download the JSON file.

Step 12: Upload to Online Portal

Now, log in to your account on the income tax portal. Once logged in, click the 'File Now' option.

Step 13: Select Filing Details

Choose the Assessment Year, filing type, and ITR type, then proceed.

Step 14: Attach and Verify

Attach the downloaded JSON file and proceed to the verification stage.

When is ITR Filing Mandatory?

Filing an ITR is compulsory for individuals whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit. Additionally, ITR filing is mandatory if you meet any of the following criteria:

Expenditure on foreign travel totals more than Rs. 2 lakh.
Electricity consumption charges amount to Rs. 1 lakh or more.
Deposits exceeding Rs. 1 crore have been made in one or more current accounts.
Business receipts surpass Rs. 60 lakh.
Professional receipts are over Rs. 10 lakh.
The total Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) exceeds Rs. 25,000.
If you are a resident with an asset located outside India or possess signing authority for an overseas bank account.

When filing your ITR due to specific expenses exceeding the set limits, it is crucial to accurately declare the exact expense amount.

Essential Documents for ITR Filing

Before initiating your ITR filing, collect the following necessary documents and details:

PAN and Aadhaar
Bank Statements
Form 16
Donation receipts
Stock trading statements from your broker
Receipts for life and health insurance premium payments
Bank account information linked to your PAN
Interest certificates from banks

ITR Filing Due Date for FY 2024-25

The final date for non-audit taxpayers to file their ITR for Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) is September 16, 2025. This date was extended from September 15, 2025, due to issues with the tax portal.

Failure to file your ITR by the due date may result in penalties and interest. Taxpayers who miss the deadline can still submit a belated return before December 31st of the relevant assessment year, subject to applicable late fees and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay income tax online?

To pay taxes online, log in to your income tax portal, select 'e-file', and then choose the 'e-pay tax' option.

What should I do if I miss the ITR filing due date?

The due date for non-audit taxpayers is September 16, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you can file a belated return by December 31st of the relevant Assessment Year, or an updated return (ITR-U) with specific restrictions.

How can I check if my ITR has been filed successfully?

Log in to the e-filing portal using your user ID and password. Navigate to 'e-File' > 'Income Tax Returns' > 'View Filed Returns'. Here, you can see all your submitted returns.

What happens if I don't e-verify my income tax return?

Failure to e-verify your ITR within the stipulated 30-day period will invalidate your return, meaning it will be treated as though it was never filed.

Can I correct a mistake after filing my Income Tax Return?

Yes, you can revise an already filed ITR. The deadline for revising your return for FY 2024-25 would be December 31, 2025.