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
Steps to file ITR online
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.
2. Start the filing process
Navigate to: e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return
Select Assessment Year: 2025–26
Choose the “Online” mode
Click on “Start Filing”
3. Fill in the ITR Form
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”
4. Verify your return
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.
Documents required for ITR filing
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
Things to keep in mind
• 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
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
