ITR filing FY 2024-25: How to file it online, documents needed and things to keep in mind

itr

The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26) to September 15, 2025. This applies to individual taxpayers whose accounts do not require auditing, such as salaried employees, NRIs, and pensioners. Typically, the ITR filing deadline is July 31 each year, but this time, the extension offers more time to prepare and file returns accurately. While it is still unclear whether this also extends the self-assessment tax payment deadline, filing early can help avoid last-minute issues or penalties under Section 234A.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to file ITR online, documents required and important thing to keep in mind

1. Visit the official portal

Go to the Income Tax e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal

Log in using your PAN, enter your password, and complete the secure access message check.

Navigate to: e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return

Select Assessment Year: 2025–26

Choose the “Online” mode

Click on “Start Filing”

Select your taxpayer type (e.g., Individual, HUF, etc.)

Choose the correct ITR form (most salaried individuals use ITR-1)

Fill in all the required fields carefully

Review your form, resolve any errors, and click “Proceed to verification”

Choose an e-verification method:

OTP on mobile linked to Aadhaar

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via Net Banking, Bank Account, or Demat Account

You can also verify later or send a signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru by post.

Form 16 from employer(s)

Aadhaar and PAN

Interest certificates from banks/post office

Capital gains details (if any)

Proof of tax-saving investments

Bank account details

Form 26AS and AIS/TIS for tax credit verification

• Use correct ITR form to avoid rejection or notice

• Reconcile Form 16 with Form 26AS and AIS/TIS

• File before September 15 to avoid interest on unpaid self-assessment tax

• Double-check personal details like PAN, Aadhaar, and bank IFSC codes

• Declare all sources of income, including FD interest and freelance work

• Retain proofs of deductions and tax-saving investments for future reference

• E-verify within 30 days to complete the process; unverified ITRs are considered invalid