For Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, the Income Tax Department has further simplified compliance by enabling taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) directly through its official mobile applications — namely, the “AIS for Taxpayer” app and the “Income Tax Department” app.
These apps are available on both Android and iOS platforms and are designed to make tax filing more accessible, especially for salaried individuals, pensioners, and small taxpayers with simple income profiles.
To understand how taxpayers can use the Income Tax Department’s mobile apps for filing returns, we spoke to Dinkar Sharma, Company Secretary and Partner at Jotwani Associates. He explained the step-by-step process and highlighted how these digital tools make compliance easier for individuals with simple income profiles.
Step-by-step ITR filing guide from expert
Login and Access: Taxpayers can log in using their PAN, Aadhaar, or registered user ID and password. Multi-factor authentication, including Aadhaar OTP, ensures security.
Review Pre-filled Data: The app provides access to the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). These statements contain pre-filled data from employers, banks, mutual funds, and other reporting entities, minimizing manual data entry.
Select the Correct ITR Form: Based on income sources — salary, pension, capital gains, or other income — the app guides the taxpayer to the relevant ITR form.
Edit or Add Information: Taxpayers can update or correct any missing or incorrect details. For example, interest income from fixed deposits or rental income may need manual entry.
E-verification and Submission: Once the return is completed, the taxpayer can e-verify it directly through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or Digital Signature Certificate (where mandatory). Submission is instantaneous, and an acknowledgement is generated.
This mobile-based filing system reduces dependency on desktops or intermediaries and is particularly valuable for those looking to complete their filings quickly and securely, Sharma said.
Dinkar Sharma also talked about other tax filing platforms helping taxpayers file ITR. Here are some of the top options.
Private e-filing platforms gaining popularity among taxpayers
Beyond the government’s official apps, he said, a number of private e-filing platforms and fintech-driven solutions have gained popularity for offering both self-service and expert-assisted filing. “These platforms are recognised as intermediaries by the Income Tax Department and cater to a wide range of taxpayers, from salaried individuals to freelancers, business owners, and capital market investors.”
According to Sharma, some of the leading names in this ecosystem include:
ClearTax (Clear.in) – Known for its user-friendly interface and integration with Form 16 uploads, it offers personalized tax optimization advice along with guided filing.
TaxBuddy – Offers assisted filing services, real-time expert interaction, and advice on deductions and exemptions, making it useful for those with more complex tax profiles.
MyITreturn – An authorized intermediary that supports a broad category of returns and simplifies compliance for individuals and businesses alike.
These platforms provide added value by offering features such as error detection, optimisation of deductions under various sections (80C, 80D, etc.), and personalised tax-saving tips, he said adding that many of them also maintain mobile-compatible portals or apps, allowing taxpayers to file directly from their smartphones, much like the government’s own apps but with additional layers of guidance.
In summary, taxpayers filing returns for AY 2025–26 now have two strong options on mobile:
The official Income Tax Department apps, which provide a secure, straightforward, and free filing option, particularly suited to individuals with simple incomes.
Private e-filing platforms, which enhance the experience with expert advice, capital gains calculators, and personalized tax planning, making them suitable for taxpayers with more complex situations.
Together, these platforms make compliance more accessible and help taxpayers avoid last-minute errors or penalties by filing returns before the deadline.