How to file ITR on the Income Tax portal? A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Taxpayers
Filing your Income Tax Return does not have to feel confusing. This WealthSure guide explains how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal, how to choose the right ITR form, how to check AIS, TIS and Form 26AS, and when expert-assisted filing can protect you from errors, notices and missed deductions.
Why learning how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal matters today
If you are searching for how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal, you are probably trying to do one of three things: file your return independently, understand the e-filing process before taking expert help, or avoid a mistake that could delay your refund or trigger a tax notice. That is a smart starting point, especially because Income Tax Return filing online has become more data-driven than ever.
Earlier, many taxpayers treated ITR filing as a yearly formality. Today, the Income Tax Department already has access to information from employers, banks, mutual fund houses, brokers, property registrars and other reporting entities. Therefore, your return must align with your Form 16, AIS, TIS and Form 26AS. If salary, interest, capital gains, TDS, high-value transactions or foreign income are not correctly reported, the system may flag a mismatch.
The scale of tax filing in India is also growing rapidly. According to the Press Information Bureau, more than 7.28 crore ITRs were filed for AY 2024-25 up to 31 July 2024, and 58.57 lakh first-time filers submitted returns during that period. This shows how strongly Indian taxpayers are moving toward digital compliance through the Income Tax eFiling portal. Read the official PIB release
However, digital filing does not always mean simple filing. A salaried employee may feel confused between the old tax regime and new tax regime. A freelancer may miss advance tax obligations. An NRI may choose the wrong ITR form. A small business owner may misunderstand presumptive taxation. A taxpayer with mutual fund gains may overlook capital gains reporting. As a result, the challenge is not only how to submit the return. The bigger challenge is whether the return is accurate, complete and tax-efficient.
That is where a guided approach helps. WealthSure combines fintech-led simplicity with expert-assisted review for taxpayers who want confidence while filing. You can file yourself through the official portal, use free Income Tax Return filing online for simple cases, or select expert-assisted tax filing when income sources, deductions, capital gains, NRI taxation or notices need professional attention.
Before you start: documents and details required for ITR filing India
Before logging in to the Income Tax eFiling portal, keep your documents ready. This step saves time and reduces errors. It also helps you decide whether self-filing is enough or whether you need assistance from a tax professional.
- PAN, Aadhaar, registered mobile number and email ID
- Bank account details and pre-validated bank account for refund credit
- Form 16 from employer, salary slips and bonus details
- Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement and Taxpayer Information Summary
- Interest certificates from banks and post office deposits
- Capital gains statements from mutual funds, shares or property sale
- Rent receipts, home loan certificate, insurance premium receipts and donation proofs
- Foreign income, foreign assets and NRI income details where applicable
- Business or professional income records, GST data and books of account where relevant
WealthSure Tip: Do not rely only on pre-filled data. Always compare it with your own documents. Pre-filled data may be useful, but the responsibility for correct income disclosure remains with the taxpayer.
Step-by-step: how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal
The official e-filing portal is available at the Income Tax eFiling portal. The steps below explain the normal online filing journey for individual taxpayers. The exact screens may change by assessment year, so always check the latest utility and instructions on the portal.
Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax eFiling portal
Visit the official portal and log in using your PAN or Aadhaar-linked user ID. Use your password, OTP or other available authentication method. If you are a first-time filer, register first and ensure your PAN, Aadhaar and contact details are correct.
Step 2: Go to Income Tax Return filing
After login, select the option for filing Income Tax Return. Choose the correct assessment year. For example, income earned during a financial year is reported in the following assessment year. Select online mode if your form and income profile allow it.
Step 3: Select taxpayer status and ITR form
Choose your status such as individual, HUF, firm or company. Then select the correct ITR form. This is one of the most important steps because a wrong form can lead to defective return notices or processing issues.
Step 4: Review pre-filled information
The portal may show pre-filled salary, interest, TDS and other data. Review it carefully against Form 16, AIS, TIS and Form 26AS. Also confirm your bank account, address, contact information and tax payment details.
Step 5: Choose the old tax regime or new tax regime
Compare both regimes before submitting your return. The new tax regime may offer lower slab rates but limits many deductions and exemptions. The old tax regime may work better if you have eligible deductions such as 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest or NPS contributions.
Step 6: Enter income, deductions and tax paid
Report salary, house property, capital gains, business income, professional income, interest, dividends and other income as applicable. Then claim only eligible deductions backed by documents. If you need help with deduction discovery, explore WealthSure’s automated deduction discovery service.
Step 7: Validate, preview and submit
Use the portal’s validation checks before submission. Preview the return and read the final tax computation. If tax is payable, pay it before filing. If refund is due, ensure your bank account is pre-validated.
Step 8: Complete e-verification
Filing is not complete until you verify the return. You can usually e-verify through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account, demat account or other permitted methods. If you do not verify on time, the return may not be treated as valid.
Which ITR form should you choose?
Knowing how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal is useful, but choosing the correct form is equally important. The form depends on income type, residential status, capital gains, business income and other disclosures.
| ITR Form | Usually suitable for | WealthSure support |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 Sahaj | Resident individuals with salary, one house property and other eligible simple income | ITR-1 Sahaj filing |
| ITR-2 | Salaried taxpayers with capital gains, more than one house property, NRI status or foreign assets | ITR-2 filing support |
| ITR-3 | Individuals and HUFs with business or professional income | business and professional ITR filing |
| ITR-4 Sugam | Eligible taxpayers using presumptive taxation | ITR-4 presumptive income filing |
| ITR-5, ITR-6, ITR-7 | Firms, LLPs, companies, trusts and specified entities | entity ITR filing support |
You can also refer to the Income Tax Department website for official information and instructions. However, if your profile includes capital gains, foreign income, F&O transactions, business income or revised return needs, professional review can help you avoid incorrect filing.
Old tax regime vs new tax regime: decide before you file
Many taxpayers ask how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal, but they overlook a more valuable question: which tax regime should I choose? The answer depends on your income, deductions, exemptions and long-term planning goals.
For example, a salaried taxpayer earning above ₹15 lakh may benefit from the old regime if they claim 80C investments, 80D health insurance, HRA, NPS and home loan interest. However, another taxpayer with limited deductions may find the new regime easier and more efficient. WealthSure’s Tax Optimizer can help compare both options before filing.
Common taxpayer scenarios and correct filing approach
Example 1: Salaried employee earning above ₹15 lakh
Rohan earns ₹18 lakh annually and has Form 16, HRA, EPF, term insurance, health insurance and NPS contributions. His mistake would be filing quickly under the new regime without comparing the old regime. The correct approach is to calculate both regimes, verify Form 16 with AIS and Form 26AS, and claim only eligible deductions. WealthSure’s salary restructuring and tax planning service can help him plan better for the next year.
Example 2: Freelancer with professional income
Neha is a freelance designer who receives client payments and also invests in mutual funds. Her common confusion is whether she can file ITR-1. Since she has professional income, she may need ITR-3 or ITR-4 depending on her facts and presumptive taxation eligibility. She must also check advance tax, expenses, TDS and GST implications where applicable. WealthSure’s business and professional ITR filing support can help structure the return correctly.
Example 3: NRI with Indian income
Arjun lives in Dubai but earns rental income and interest in India. He also sold mutual funds during the year. His mistake would be assuming that no Indian ITR is required because he lives abroad. The correct approach is to determine residential status, report Indian taxable income, check capital gains, apply DTAA where eligible and use the correct ITR form. WealthSure offers NRI tax filing service, residential status determination and DTAA advisory.
Example 4: Taxpayer with a notice after mismatch
Meera filed her ITR but ignored interest income shown in AIS. Later, she received a communication asking her to explain the mismatch. The correct approach is to review the notice, compare reported income with AIS and Form 26AS, and respond within the prescribed timeline. WealthSure’s notice response support can help prepare an appropriate response without panic.
Free vs paid tax filing services: what should you choose?
Free filing can work well for simple cases. For example, if you have salary income, one Form 16, interest income and no complex deductions, you may use the portal or a guided free solution. WealthSure also offers free Income Tax filing for suitable taxpayers.
However, paid or assisted filing becomes useful when your return needs professional judgment. This includes capital gains, multiple Form 16s, old vs new regime comparison, NRI income, foreign assets, business income, professional income, presumptive taxation, notices, revised returns or updated returns. In these cases, the cost of professional assistance may be lower than the cost of mistakes.
When expert-assisted filing makes sense
- You changed jobs during the financial year
- You have capital gains from shares, mutual funds, property or foreign assets
- You are an NRI or have foreign income reporting needs
- You are a freelancer, consultant, trader or small business owner
- You received an Income Tax notice or mismatch alert
- You want tax planning beyond filing
Do not miss tax saving deductions while filing ITR
If you choose the old tax regime, deductions can play an important role. However, every deduction depends on eligibility, documentation and applicable limits. Tax benefits may also change by assessment year, so check the latest rules before filing.
- Section 80C for eligible investments and payments such as EPF, PPF, ELSS, life insurance premium and principal repayment of housing loan
- Section 80D for eligible health insurance premium
- Section 80CCD for eligible NPS contributions
- HRA exemption where rent, salary structure and documentation support the claim
- Home loan interest deduction subject to conditions
- Eligible donations where valid receipts and qualifying provisions apply
WealthSure’s personal tax planning services and tax saving suggestions can help you plan deductions before the year ends instead of rushing during ITR filing.
Filing ITR is also a financial planning moment
Your ITR tells a story about your income, tax habits, investments, loans and future financial readiness. Therefore, you should not treat it only as a compliance task. After filing, review whether your emergency fund, insurance, SIPs, retirement planning and tax-saving investments match your goals.
For example, a taxpayer who claims 80C every year may still have poor asset allocation. Another taxpayer may save tax but remain underinsured. Similarly, a freelancer may earn well but miss retirement contributions and advance tax planning. WealthSure connects tax filing with goal-based investing, retirement planning support and investment-linked tax planning.
What happens after you file your ITR?
After you submit and verify the return, the Income Tax Department processes it. You may receive an intimation under section 143(1), refund credit, demand notice or mismatch communication depending on the return and departmental records. Therefore, you should keep checking your registered email, SMS and portal account.
If you discover an error after filing, you may need a revised return. If you missed filing for an earlier eligible year, an updated return may be possible subject to conditions, additional tax and legal provisions. WealthSure offers revised or updated return filing and ITR-U assisted filing.
For regulatory awareness beyond taxation, investors may also refer to official portals such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India for capital market information and the Reserve Bank of India for banking and monetary updates.
Need confidence before submitting your ITR?
Whether you are a salaried taxpayer, freelancer, NRI, investor or business owner, WealthSure can help you file accurately, compare tax regimes, identify eligible deductions, respond to notices and plan your finances beyond tax season.
FAQs on how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal
1. Is free tax filing enough for every taxpayer?
Free tax filing is useful when your tax profile is simple. For example, a salaried person with one employer, one Form 16, limited interest income and no capital gains may be able to file through the Income Tax portal or a guided free filing option. However, free filing may not be enough when you need judgment, comparison or correction. If you changed jobs, have capital gains, freelance income, NRI income, foreign assets, F&O transactions, business income or notice-related issues, expert review can reduce the chance of mistakes. Free tools usually help you enter data, but they may not always explain whether the selected ITR form, tax regime or deduction claim is suitable. Therefore, choose free filing for straightforward returns and expert-assisted filing for complex cases. WealthSure offers both self-service and assisted options so taxpayers can select support based on their actual filing needs.
2. How do I choose the correct ITR form?
The correct ITR form depends on your income sources, residential status and disclosure requirements. ITR-1 is generally used by eligible resident individuals with salary income, one house property and simple income within specified conditions. ITR-2 is commonly relevant for salaried taxpayers with capital gains, more than one house property, NRI status, foreign assets or other ineligible conditions for ITR-1. ITR-3 applies when you have business or professional income. ITR-4 may apply to eligible taxpayers using presumptive taxation. Firms, LLPs, companies, trusts and other entities use different forms such as ITR-5, ITR-6 or ITR-7 depending on their legal status. Since ITR form rules may change by assessment year, you should always check the latest instructions. If you select the wrong form, the return may be treated as defective or may require correction.
3. Should I select the old tax regime or new tax regime?
You should select the regime only after comparing both calculations. The new tax regime usually offers a simplified slab structure, but it restricts many deductions and exemptions. The old tax regime may be better when you have eligible deductions such as 80C investments, 80D health insurance, HRA, home loan interest, education loan interest or NPS contributions. However, the old regime is not automatically better for everyone. A taxpayer with fewer deductions may pay lower tax under the new regime. Also, rules for regime selection may vary depending on whether you have business income and the relevant assessment year. Therefore, do not choose based on a friend’s return or a generic online comment. Use a proper tax comparison or take expert help. WealthSure’s tax planning services can help you compare both regimes before filing.
4. How long does an income tax refund take after filing ITR?
Refund timelines depend on successful filing, e-verification, processing by the Income Tax Department and accuracy of the return. If your return is complete, your bank account is pre-validated, your PAN is linked as required and there are no mismatches, processing may happen faster. However, there is no guaranteed refund timeline. Refunds can be delayed due to AIS mismatch, incorrect bank details, pending e-verification, defective return, outstanding demand adjustment or additional departmental review. After filing, you should track the status on the Income Tax eFiling portal and check email or SMS communications. If the portal shows a demand or mismatch, do not ignore it. Review the intimation and respond correctly. WealthSure can help taxpayers understand refund delays, mismatch notices and post-filing actions where required.
5. What should I do if I receive an Income Tax notice?
First, do not panic and do not ignore the notice. Read the notice carefully and identify the section, reason, response deadline and documents required. Many notices relate to mismatch between your ITR and AIS, TIS or Form 26AS. Others may relate to defective returns, demand, refund adjustment, non-disclosure of income or scrutiny selection. You should compare the notice with your filed return, bank statements, Form 16, investment statements and tax payment records. Then respond through the correct portal process with accurate facts and supporting documents. Avoid submitting casual explanations without reviewing the numbers. A wrong or delayed response may increase compliance complications. WealthSure’s notice response support can help you decode the notice, prepare documentation and file a structured response.
6. Which deductions can I claim while filing ITR?
Deductions depend on the tax regime, eligibility and documents. Under the old tax regime, common deductions include Section 80C for eligible investments and payments, Section 80D for health insurance premium, Section 80CCD for NPS, interest on eligible education loans, qualifying donations and certain other deductions. HRA exemption and home loan interest benefits may also apply if conditions are met. Under the new tax regime, several deductions and exemptions are restricted, although some benefits may still be available depending on the law for the relevant year. Therefore, you must not claim deductions simply because you made an investment. You need the right proof, eligible payment mode and applicable limit. WealthSure can help review your documents and identify eligible tax saving options without making unsupported claims.
7. Can SIP investments help me save tax?
SIP investment in itself does not always provide a tax deduction. Tax benefit depends on the type of mutual fund and applicable tax law. For example, investments in eligible Equity Linked Savings Schemes may qualify under Section 80C within the overall limit under the old tax regime. However, normal equity mutual funds, hybrid funds or debt funds do not automatically provide an investment-linked deduction. Also, returns from mutual funds are market-linked and carry risk. Capital gains taxation depends on the type of fund, holding period and applicable rules. Therefore, you should choose SIPs for long-term financial goals, risk profile and asset allocation, not only for tax saving. WealthSure’s financial advisory services can help align SIP investment India strategies with tax planning, retirement planning and goal-based investing.
8. How should freelancers and professionals file ITR?
Freelancers and professionals should first identify whether their income qualifies as professional or business income. They may need ITR-3 or ITR-4 depending on whether they maintain books of account or use presumptive taxation, subject to eligibility. They should track receipts, expenses, TDS, GST data where applicable, advance tax payments and bank transactions. A common mistake is reporting freelance income as salary or other income just to use a simpler form. That can create problems later. Freelancers should also plan advance tax because tax may not be fully deducted at source. Eligible business expenses may reduce taxable income, but they must be genuine, documented and related to professional activity. WealthSure’s business and professional ITR filing support can help freelancers choose the right form and file correctly.
9. Do NRIs need to file ITR in India?
NRIs may need to file ITR in India if they have taxable income in India, such as rental income, capital gains, interest income, business income or other Indian income above applicable thresholds. Filing may also be relevant for claiming refunds, reporting capital gains, carrying forward eligible losses or complying with specific disclosure requirements. The first step is to determine residential status correctly under Indian tax law. Then the taxpayer should review India-sourced income, TDS, DTAA eligibility and reporting requirements. NRIs should not assume that living outside India automatically removes Indian tax filing obligations. Also, foreign assets and income reporting rules can be complex for residents. WealthSure’s NRI tax filing service, foreign income reporting and DTAA advisory can help taxpayers file with better clarity.
10. Is expert-assisted ITR filing worth it?
Expert-assisted filing is worth considering when your return involves complexity, uncertainty or financial impact. If your income is simple, self-filing may be enough. However, expert assistance can be valuable when you need tax regime comparison, capital gains computation, NRI filing, professional income reporting, presumptive taxation, advance tax review, foreign income disclosure, deduction planning, notice response or revised return filing. A qualified review can help you avoid wrong form selection, missed income, unsupported deduction claims and mismatch notices. It can also connect filing with proactive tax planning for the next year. WealthSure’s assisted filing plans are designed for taxpayers who want convenience, accuracy and advisory support without overpromising refunds or guaranteed savings. Final tax liability always depends on income, documents, regime choice and applicable law.
Conclusion: file accurately, plan wisely and grow beyond tax season
Learning how to file ITR on the Income Tax portal gives you control over your tax compliance. However, accurate filing requires more than entering numbers into an online form. You must choose the correct ITR form, match AIS, TIS and Form 26AS, compare old and new tax regimes, report all income, claim only eligible deductions and complete e-verification on time.
Free filing is helpful for simple returns, while expert-assisted filing can be valuable when your tax profile includes multiple income sources, capital gains, NRI income, business income, professional income, notices or tax planning needs. More importantly, ITR filing should become the starting point for better financial decisions, not just an annual compliance activity.
WealthSure may provide filing support, advisory, documentation assistance, notice response, tax planning and financial advisory services based on your requirements. Tax laws may change by assessment year. Final tax liability depends on income, regime selection, deductions, disclosures and supporting documents. Market-linked investments carry risk, and tax benefits depend on eligibility and applicable law.
Brand Promise: At WealthSure, we don’t just file taxes — we simplify your financial journey and help you build long-term wealth with confidence.
