✅ How to File Income Tax Return in India Step-by-Step (2025 Guide)

A Simple, Clear, Beginner-Friendly Guide by CA Shiwali & Co., Delhi

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) every year is important—not just to stay compliant with the law, but also to avoid penalties, claim refunds, and maintain a clean financial record.
Yet, most people find ITR filing confusing.

So here is the simplest step-by-step guide to filing your ITR online in 2025.

⭐ Who Must File Income Tax Return in 2025?

You must file an ITR if:

Your income exceeds ₹2,50,000 (old regime)
You want to claim a refund
You have TDS deducted
You earned income from salary, business, house property, capital gains, or freelancing
You deposited over ₹1 crore in bank
Your electricity bill exceeded ₹1 lakh
You spent ₹2 lakh or more on foreign travel

If you fall into any of these, ITR filing is mandatory.

📝 Step-by-Step Process to File ITR Online (2025)

Step 1: Collect All Required Documents

Before you begin, keep these ready:

✔ Aadhaar Card
✔ PAN Card
✔ Form 16 (for salaried employees)
✔ Form 26AS
✔ AIS & TIS (Annual Information Statement)
✔ Bank statements
✔ Interest certificates from banks/post office
✔ Investment proofs (LIC, PF, 80C, 80D etc.)
✔ Details of capital gains (if any)

Expert Tip:
Most mistakes happen due to mismatch in AIS/26AS. Always cross-check before filing.

Step 2: Register/Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Visit the e-filing portal:
https://eportal.incometax.gov.in

PAN
Password
OTP (if required)

Step 3: Choose ‘File Income Tax Return’

Go to:
e-File → Income Tax Returns → File ITR

Select:

Assessment Year: 2025–26
Mode: Online
Status: Individual

Step 4: Choose the Correct ITR Form

This is one of the biggest confusions people have.

✔ ITR-1

For: Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh

✔ ITR-2

For: Salary + capital gains + rental income (no business income)

✔ ITR-3

For: Business or professional income (freelancers, shop owners, CA, doctors, etc.)

✔ ITR-4

For: Presumptive income (44ADA/44AD/44AE)

Not sure which ITR to select?
This is where people commonly make mistakes—choosing a wrong ITR may lead to a notice.

Step 5: Verify Pre-Filled Details

The portal will auto-fill your:

Salary income
TDS
Interest income
Dividend income
Other financial data

Check carefully because incorrect data = mismatch = notice from Income Tax Department.

Step 6: Add Your Deductions (80C, 80D, 80G etc.)

You can save tax through:

80C: LIC, PPF, ELSS, PF, tuition fees
80D: Medical insurance
80G: Donations
80TTA/80TTB: Savings interest
Home loan interest
NPS contributions

Add them correctly to reduce your tax liability.

Step 7: Review Your Tax Liability

The system will auto-calculate whether:

✔ You need to pay tax
or
✔ You will get refund

If additional tax is payable, pay it online using:

Net banking
UPI
Debit card
Chalan 280

Step 8: Submit Your Return and e-Verify

The final step is e-verification, which you can do via:

Aadhaar OTP
Net banking
Bank account EVC

Your ITR is not considered filed until verified.

🎯 Why Filing ITR Is Important

✔ Helps in availing bank loans
✔ Mandatory for passport/visa processing
✔ Helps in claiming refunds
✔ Avoids penalties & notices
✔ Builds financial credibility

⚠️ Common Mistakes People Make While Filing ITR

❌ Selecting wrong ITR form
❌ Entering wrong deductions
❌ Not verifying AIS/26AS
❌ Missing refund claims
❌ Filing last minute
❌ Not reporting all bank accounts

These mistakes may lead to:

Penalties
Notices
Refund delays
Scrutiny cases

🧑‍⚖️ How a CA Can Help You File Error-Free ITR

A professional CA ensures:

✔ Correct ITR selection
✔ Maximum tax savings
✔ Zero errors or mismatches
✔ Quick refund processing
✔ Protection from legal issues

📞 Need Help Filing Your ITR for 2025?

At CA Shiwali & Co., Delhi, we assist with:

Income tax filing
Tax planning
Capital gain reporting
Business & freelancer ITR
Notice handling

📍 Based in New Delhi, South Delhi
🌐 Website: www.cashiwali.com

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 9266032777

Let experts handle your taxes while you stay stress-free.