Filing an income tax return is an essential part and for Salaried Employee also. Salaried Employee can file an income tax return in two ways by online(E-filing) and by offline. The process of filling online Income Tax Returns (ITR) by using the internet is called E-filing. The process to e-file ITR is quick, easy, and can be completed from the comfort of an individual’s home or office. And the offline person can file the return by submitting the file.
Below is the step by step process of filing income tax return offline.
Offline method:
Download the applicable ITR-1, fill the form offline, save the with XML and then upload it.
To e-File the ITR using the upload XML method, the user must download either of the following ITR utility:
Excel Utility
Java Utility
Follow the below steps to download the Java Utility or Excel Utility, and know-how to generate and Upload the XML:
Step-1:- Visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Step-2:- Download the suitable ITR utility under Downloads > IT Return Preparation Software.
Step-3:- Extract the downloaded utility ZIP file and Open the Utility from the extracted folder.
Step-4:- Fill in the applicable and mandatory fields of the ITR form.
Step-5:- Validate all the tabs of the ITR form and Calculate the Tax.
Step-6:- Generate and Save the XML.
Step-7:- Login to the e-Filing portal by entering user ID (PAN), Password, Captcha code and click ‘Login’.
Step-8:- Click on the ‘e-File’ menu and click the ‘Income Tax Return’ link.
Step-9:- On Income Tax Return Page:
PAN will be auto-populated
Select ‘Assessment Year’
Select ‘ITR form Number’
Select ‘Filing Type’ as ‘Original/Revised Return’
Select ‘Submission Mode’ as ‘Upload XML’
Step-10:- Choose any one of the below option to verify the Return:
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Aadhaar OTP.
EVC using Prevalidated Bank Account Details.
EVC using Prevalidated Demat Account Details.
Already generated EVC through Account Generate EVC Option or Bank ATM. The validity of such EVC is 72 hours from the time of generation.
Want e-Verify later. Please remind.
Don’t want to e-verify this Income Tax Return and want to send signed ITR-V through normal or speed post to “Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500”
Step-11:- Click ‘Continue’.
Step-12:- Attach the ITR XML file.
On choosing,
Step-13:- DSC as verification option, Attach the signature file generated from the DSC management utility.
Step-14:- Aadhaar OTP as a verification option, Enter the Aadhaar OTP received in the mobile number registered with UIDAI.
Step-16:- EVC through Bank account, Demat account or Bank ATM as verification option, Enter the EVC received in the mobile number registered with Bank or Demat Account respectively.
The other two verification options, the ITR will be submitted but the process of filing the ITRs is not complete till it is verified. The submitted ITR should be e-Verified later by using the ‘My Account > e-Verify Return’ option or the signed ITR-V should be sent to CPC, Bengaluru.
Step-17:- Submit the ITR.
Step-18:- View the uploaded ITRs.
Below is the step by step process of filing income tax return online.
Online Method
Enter the related data directly online at the e-filing portal and submit it. Salaried Employee can file ITR 1 online.
Step-1:- Go to the Income Tax e-Filing portal, www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Step-2:- Login to the e-Filing portal by entering user ID (PAN), Password, Captcha code and click ‘Login’.
Step-3:- Click on the ‘e-File’ menu and click the ‘Income Tax Return’ link.
Step-4:- On Income Tax Return Page:
PAN will be auto-populated
Select ‘Assessment Year’
Select ‘ITR Form Number’
Select ‘Filing Type’ as ‘Original/Revised Return’
Select ‘Submission Mode’ as ‘Prepare and Submit Online
Step-5:- Click on ‘Continue’
Step-6:- Read the Instructions and Fill all the applicable and mandatory fields of the Online ITR Form.
Step-7:- Choose the required Verification option in the ‘Taxes Paid and Verification’ tab.
Choose any one of the following option to verify the Income Tax Return:
Step-8:- e-Verify.
Step-9:- e-Verify later within 120 days from the date of filing.
Step-10:- Don’t want e-Verify, then send signed ITR-V through normal or speed post to “Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560 500” within 120 days from date of filing.
Step-11:- Click on the ‘Preview and Submit’ button, Verify all the data entered in the ITR.
Step-12:- ‘Submit’ the ITR.
Step-13:- On Choosing the‘ e-Verify’ option, e-Verification can be done through any of the following methods by entering the EVC/OTP when asked for.
Step-14:- The EVC/OTP should be entered within 60 seconds else, the Income Tax Return (ITR) will be auto-submitted.
The submitted ITR should be verified later by using the ‘My Account > e-Verify Return’ option or by sending signed ITR-V to CPC.
Step-15:- View the uploaded ITRs
FAQs on How to file ITR
1.What are the different forms that are available as per the Income Tax Law
The Various forms that are available as per the Income Tax Law are ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6, ITR-7 and ITR-V.
2.Should I attach any documents when I file the Income Tax Returns?
No, the customer does not need to submit any documents when you file the Income Tax Returns.
3.Does the Income Tax Department provide the e-filing utility?
Yes, the e-filing utility has been provided by the Income Tax Department.
4.What is the difference between e-payment and e-filing?
The process of electronically filing the returns is e-filing.
5.Will I face any criminal prosecution in case the tax returns for my taxable income is not filed?
Yes, in case the tax is not paid, you may have to pay additional interest, penalties, or may face prosecution.
