Income Tax Return Filing AY 2025-26: Only 7 days are left for the last date for filing ITR for the assessment year 2025-26 (financial year 2024-25). About 5 crore income tax returns (ITRs) have already been filed, data updated till September 8 on the Income Tax Department’s website showed. Going by last year’s ITR filing numbers, around 3 crore income taxpayers may file their ITR over the next one week. To make the process easier for ITR filers, this write-up will discuss simple steps to help salaried individuals file their tax return this year without any professional assistance.
Often, salaried people think that they will have to take the help of a Chartered Accountant (CA) to file returns. But the reality is that if you want, you can easily file ITR yourself. The government has provided e-filing portal, mobile app and many easy options so that you can file returns without any additional cost and in a safe manner.
Filing your tax return this year? Head to our detailed ITR Guide for everything you need to know.
Pre-filled data makes the task easier for ITR filers
For years, filing ITR felt like a tough task for taxpayers, and they thought that only a CA could decode complex deductions and filing of returns. Most people still take help from CAs and pay professional fees, fearing making mistakes or just getting lost in complicated forms. But now, with pre-filled ITR forms, the process is simpler and far less intimidating.
Thanks to easy ITR forms and utilities, most details get pulled automatically, and all taxpayers need to do is review, edit, confirm, and submit. This means you can do it yourself, save money and file ITR from the comfort of your home. That said, professionals are still useful in cases where complex transactions are involved. But for most salaried individuals, self-filing is possible.
Here’s how you can file your income tax return without the help of a CA by following some easy steps:
Step 1: Keep the required documents ready
First of all, you should have these documents:
Form 16 (from your employer), Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) (download from Income Tax Portal), bank statements and investment proofs (LIC, ELSS, PPF etc.), other income details (like rent, FD interest)
Step 2: Login to the Income Tax e-filing portal – http://www.incometax.gov.in
Enter your PAN number as user ID and login with password.
If you are logging in for the first time, register.
Step 3: Choose the right ITR form
ITR-1 (Sahaj): This is for salaried taxpayers whose total income is up to ₹50 lakh and whose income comes only from salary, one house property and interest.
ITR-2/ITR-3: This form may be applicable if you have capital gains, business income or more than one house property.
Step 4: Check pre-filled data
Your details (salary, TDS, bank interest etc.) are pre-filled on the portal. Check it carefully and fill in the correct details if there are any mistakes.
Step 5: Avail deductions and exemptions (under Old Tax Regime)
Deduction up to Rs 1.5 lakh under section 80C (on LIC, PPF, ELSS etc.) can be availed under old regime.
Deduction on health insurance premium under section 80D
Tax benefit on house loan interest and education loan
Step 6: Submit and e-verify return
After filling all the details, click on ‘Preview and Submit’.
E-verification is mandatory after submitting the return.
You can easily do this with Aadhaar OTP, net banking, demat account or bank account.
What if ITR is not filed on time?
The Centre, in May this year, extended the ITR filing date to September 15 from July 31. If you miss the September 15 deadline, a penalty of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 can be imposed for late filing. With a penalty and interest on the due tax amount, you can file your ITR till 31st December 2025.
Summing up…
Filing ITR has now become very easy for salaried taxpayers. With the right documents and accurate information, you can file your return yourself without the help of a CA. This will not only save your expenses but will also give you an understanding of the nuances related to taxation.