Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is one of the most important financial responsibilities of every taxpayer in India. An ITR is a form that individuals and businesses use to report their income, expenses, investments, and tax payments to the Income Tax Department. Filing your ITR on time not only ensures compliance with the law but also provides benefits like faster loan approvals, visa processing, and refund claims.
In this article, we bring you a step-by-step guide to file ITR in 2025, along with eligibility, required documents, types of ITR forms, and common mistakes to avoid.
Who Should File ITR?
Filing ITR is mandatory for:
- Individuals earning more than ₹2.5 lakh annually (basic exemption limit).
- Senior citizens (60–80 years) earning above ₹3 lakh annually.
- Super senior citizens (above 80 years) earning above ₹5 lakh annually.
- Companies, LLPs, and partnership firms (irrespective of profit or loss).
- Individuals with income from foreign assets or investments.
- Taxpayers claiming refunds or losses to be carried forward.
Benefits of Filing ITR
- Legal compliance – Mandatory under the Income Tax Act.
- Easy loan approvals – Banks require ITR for loans and credit cards.
- Visa processing – Embassies often request ITR receipts.
- Tax refunds – Helps claim excess TDS deducted.
- Financial credibility – Acts as proof of income.
Documents Required to File ITR
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
- Form 26AS & AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Bank account details
- Investment proofs (LIC, PPF, ELSS, etc.)
- TDS certificates
- Details of capital gains, rental income, or business income
Types of ITR Forms in 2025
| ITR Form | Applicable To |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 | Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh (excluding business income). |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUFs with income from capital gains, foreign income, or >₹50 lakh. |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUFs with business or professional income. |
| ITR-4 | Presumptive taxation scheme (business/profession income up to ₹2 crore). |
| ITR-5 | Partnership firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs. |
| ITR-6 | Companies (except those claiming exemption under section 11). |
| ITR-7 | Trusts, political parties, institutions claiming exemptions. |
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online in 2025
Step 1: Visit Income Tax Portal
- Go to the official website: www.incometax.gov.in.
- Log in using PAN/Aadhaar and password.
Step 2: Select “File Income Tax Return”
- From the dashboard, click on e-File → Income Tax Returns → File ITR.
Step 3: Choose Assessment Year
- Select AY 2025–26 for income earned in FY 2024–25.
Step 4: Select Filing Type
- Choose between individual, HUF, firm, or company.
Step 5: Select ITR Form
- Based on your income source, choose the correct ITR form (ITR-1, ITR-2, etc.).
Step 6: Enter Income and Tax Details
- Fill details of salary, house property, capital gains, business income, and other sources.
- Claim deductions under Chapter VI-A (Sections 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.).
Step 7: Preview and Validate
- Review all details carefully.
- Cross-check with Form 26AS and AIS to ensure accuracy.
Step 8: Pay Outstanding Tax (if any)
- If tax payable exceeds TDS/TCS, make the payment through challan and update details.
Step 9: Submit and Verify ITR
- Submit the return and complete verification using one of the following:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
- Sending a signed ITR-V form to CPC Bengaluru (if offline verification).
Step 10: Acknowledgment
- Once verified, you will receive an ITR acknowledgment on your email.
Offline Filing of ITR (for Certain Categories)
- Super senior citizens (80 years and above) can file ITR using a paper form.
- The filled form is submitted physically to the Income Tax Department.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR
- Using the wrong ITR form.
- Not reporting interest income from savings accounts/FDs.
- Failing to reconcile income with Form 26AS and AIS.
- Missing deductions and exemptions.
- Incorrect bank account details for refunds.
Overview Table
| Step | Action Required | Tools/Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Login to Income Tax Portal | PAN/Aadhaar, password |
| Step 2 | Select Assessment Year | AY 2025–26 |
| Step 3 | Choose ITR Form | ITR-1 to ITR-7 |
| Step 4 | Enter Income & Tax Details | Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS |
| Step 5 | Claim Deductions | 80C, 80D, 80G proofs |
| Step 6 | Pay Balance Tax | Net banking, challan |
| Step 7 | Submit and Verify | Aadhaar OTP, EVC, Net banking |
Pro Tips for Smooth ITR Filing
- File your return well before the deadline to avoid last-minute errors.
- Keep all documents and proofs handy.
- Always download and save a copy of the acknowledgment.
- Consider consulting a CA if you have multiple income sources.
FAQs
Q1: What is the last date to file ITR for FY 2024–25?
The due date is 31st July 2025 (unless extended by the government).
Q2: Can I revise my ITR if I make a mistake?
Yes, a revised return can be filed before the end of the assessment year.
Q3: Is filing ITR mandatory if my income is below the taxable limit?
Not mandatory, but filing is recommended for financial credibility and refund claims.