How to File ITR Online in India for FY 2024-25 – Step-by-Step Guide Without CA

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Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) online has become easier than ever in India. Whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, or small business owner, you can now file your ITR from home without paying a chartered accountant. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process to file your ITR for the Financial Year 2024-25, using the official income tax portal.

This article is written in simple language, suitable for first-time filers who want to stay compliant and avoid late fees.

Who Needs to File ITR

You must file ITR if:

  • Your total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh in a year

  • You have income from salary, business, or freelancing

  • You want to claim tax refund or carry forward losses

  • You earned interest on savings, FDs, or capital gains

  • You are applying for a visa or loan

Documents You’ll Need Before Filing

  • Aadhaar Card

  • PAN Card

  • Bank account details

  • Form 16 (for salaried individuals)

  • Annual bank statement

  • Investment proofs (for deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.)

  • Details of any other income (interest, rent, freelance, etc.)

Types of ITR Forms

Choose the correct ITR form based on your income type:

  • ITR 1 (Sahaj) – For salaried individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh

  • ITR 2 – For individuals with income from capital gains or more than one property

  • ITR 3 – For business owners or freelancers

  • ITR 4 (Sugam) – For presumptive income under Section 44ADA or 44AE

Most salaried individuals use ITR 1 or ITR 2

Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online for FY 2024-25

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Portal

Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in

Click on Login and enter your User ID (PAN), password, and captcha. If you’re a first-time user, click on “Register”.

Step 2: Choose “File Income Tax Return”

Once logged in, click on:

  • e-File > Income Tax Return

  • Select the Assessment Year 2025-26

  • Choose “Online Mode” and proceed

Step 3: Select the Right ITR Form

Choose the correct ITR form (e.g., ITR-1 for most salaried taxpayers).

Select the filing type as “Original” or “Revised” based on your case.

Step 4: Fill in Personal and Income Details

The system may auto-fill your details from Form 16 or AIS (Annual Information Statement). Review and confirm:

  • Salary details

  • Other income (interest, capital gains, etc.)

  • Deductions under Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.

Ensure bank details are correct for refund

Step 5: Validate and Preview Your Return

After entering all details:

  • Click on “Preview” to review the full summary

  • Check tax liability or refund amount

  • If all looks good, click on “Proceed to Verification”

Step 6: Verify Your Return

You can e-verify your ITR instantly using:

  • Aadhaar OTP

  • Net Banking

  • Bank Account EVC

  • Demat Account

Once verified, your ITR is successfully filed

What Happens After Filing

  • You will receive an email and SMS confirmation

  • If verified successfully, the return will be processed

  • Refund (if any) is credited to your bank within a few weeks

  • You can track the status under “My Account” > “View Filed Returns”

Last Date to File ITR for FY 2024-25

  • Without Late Fee: July 31, 2025

  • With Late Fee: After July 31, a penalty of ₹1000 to ₹5000 may apply

It’s best to file early to avoid website delays and last-minute errors

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