Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 8 minutes
Filing your Income Tax Return Online ITR Filling doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking for the latest updates, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about online ITR filing in India for 2026.
What is Online ITR Filing?
Online ITR filing is the digital process of submitting your income tax returns through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. This method has replaced traditional paper filing for most taxpayers and offers several advantages including faster processing, instant acknowledgment, and the convenience of filing from anywhere.
Who Must File ITR Online?
You’re required to file an ITR if:
- Your total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh (₹3 lakh for senior citizens)
- You’re claiming a tax refund
- You hold foreign assets or signing authority in overseas accounts
- Your electricity bill exceeds ₹1 lakh annually
- You’ve deposited more than ₹1 crore in bank accounts during the year
When Does Online ITR Filling Start for 2026?
Important Dates:
- Portal Opens: April 1, 2026
- Deadline for Individuals: July 31, 2026
- Deadline with Audit: October 31, 2026
- Belated Return: Until December 31, 2026 (with penalty)
The Income Tax Department typically opens the e-filing portal on April 1st for the new assessment year. For AY 2026-27 (covering income earned in FY 2025-26), filing begins on April 1, 2026.
Pro Tip: File early to avoid technical glitches during the last-minute rush and receive faster refunds.
How to Online ITR Filling: 6 Simple Steps
Step 1: Register on the Income Tax Portal
First-Time Users:
- Visit the official portal: www.incometax.gov.in
- Click “Register” and enter your PAN (this becomes your User ID)
- Fill in personal details: name, date of birth, mobile number
- Verify using Aadhaar OTP or EVC
- Create a strong password
Existing Users: Simply proceed with online ITR Filling login using your PAN and password.
Security Note: Never share your login credentials with anyone. The Income Tax Department never asks for passwords via email or phone.
Step 2: Download Essential Documents
Before you begin filling your return, download these critical documents from the portal:
Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement)
- Shows TDS deducted by employers/banks
- Displays advance tax and self-assessment tax paid
- Lists tax collected at source (TCS)
Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Comprehensive view of all your financial transactions
- Includes salary, interest income, dividends, securities transactions
- Shows property purchases and mutual fund investments
How to Access: Navigate to “e-File” → “Income Tax Returns” → “View Form 26AS” or “View AIS”
Action Required: Verify all information matches your records. Report discrepancies through the portal’s feedback mechanism before filing.
Step 3: Select the Correct Online ITR Filling Form
Choosing the right form is crucial for smooth processing:
| Form | Who Should Use | Income Sources |
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Salaried individuals | Salary, one house property, other sources (income up to ₹50 lakh) |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUFs | Multiple house properties, capital gains, foreign income (no business income) |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUFs | Business/professional income |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive income | Business turnover up to ₹2 crore or professional receipts up to ₹50 lakh |
The portal automatically suggests the appropriate form based on your AIS data, but always verify it matches your actual income sources.
Step 4: Fill Your Income Details
The portal offers two filing methods:
Online Method (Recommended for ITR-1 and ITR-4):
- Fill details directly on the portal
- Auto-populated information from AIS/Form 26AS
- Built-in validation checks
- Immediate submission after review
Offline Method (For ITR-2, ITR-3):
- Download the Excel utility
- Fill details offline at your convenience
- Validate using the utility
- Upload the generated JSON/XML file
Income Sections to Complete:
Salary Income: Your Form 16 contains all necessary details including gross salary, standard deduction, professional tax, and HRA exemptions.
House Property Income: Report rental income or claim deduction for home loan interest (up to ₹2 lakh for self-occupied property).
Capital Gains: Include profits from sale of property, stocks, mutual funds, or other assets. Remember to report both short-term and long-term gains separately.
Other Sources: Interest from savings accounts, fixed deposits, dividends, and any other miscellaneous income.
Step 5: Claim Your Deductions
Maximize your tax savings by claiming all eligible deductions:
Popular Deductions:
Section 80C (up to ₹1.5 lakh): PPF, EPF, life insurance premiums, ELSS mutual funds, principal repayment of home loan, tuition fees, NSC
Section 80D (up to ₹75,000): Health insurance premiums for self, family, and parents
Section 80CCD(1B) (up to ₹50,000): Additional NPS contributions beyond 80C limit
Section 24(b) (up to ₹2 lakh): Home loan interest for self-occupied property
Section 80E: Interest on education loans (no upper limit)
Section 80G: Donations to eligible charitable institutions
Important: Keep all investment proofs and receipts ready. While you don’t need to upload them during filing, you must produce them if requested during assessment.
The system automatically calculates your total tax liability, adjusts for TDS/advance tax already paid, and determines if you’re due a refund or need to pay additional tax.
Step 6: Verify Your Online ITR Filling
Critical: Your return is not complete until verified. Unverified returns are not processed.
Fastest Verification Methods:
Aadhaar OTP (Instant):
- Requires mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Receive OTP on registered mobile
- Enter OTP to complete verification immediately
Net Banking (Instant):
- Available for select banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.)
- Login through net banking
- Electronic verification without OTP
Other Methods:
- EVC through Bank Account/Demat: Generate code through your bank’s portal
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): For professionals and businesses
- ITR-V by Post: Send signed acknowledgment to CPC Bangalore (takes 30 days)
Verification Deadline: Complete within 30 days of online itr submission to avoid invalidation of your return.
Free Online ITR Filing vs. Professional Services
Using the Government Portal (Free)
Best For: Salaried individuals with straightforward income sources
Pros:
- Zero cost
- Secure and reliable
- Pre-filled information from AIS
- Built-in calculators and help guides
Cons:
- Limited hand-holding for complex scenarios
- Requires basic tax knowledge
- No personalized tax planning advice
Professional Online ITR Filing Services
Cost Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000 depending on complexity
Best For: Multiple income sources, capital gains, business income, foreign assets
Benefits:
- Expert review to maximize deductions
- Handling of complex tax situations
- Assistance with notices or queries
- Tax planning for future years
- Revision support if needed
Choosing Between Options: If your tax situation involves only salary income from one employer and standard deductions, the free portal is perfectly adequate. However, if you’re unsure about classifications, have sold property, or have business income, professional assistance can prevent costly mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Bank Account Errors
Incorrect bank details are the leading cause of refund delays. Verify:
- Account number (enter twice to confirm)
- IFSC code (check with your bank)
- Account type (savings/current)
- Pre-validate your account in the portal before filing
2. TDS Mismatches
Your claimed TDS must match Form 26AS exactly. Common issues:
- Wrong TAN quoted by deductor
- TDS shown in wrong quarter
- Deductor deposited but not reported
Solution: Contact your employer or deductor immediately if you spot discrepancies. They can file a correction statement.
3. Incomplete Disclosure
Failing to report all income can trigger notices. Remember to include:
- Interest from all savings accounts (even if below ₹10,000)
- Dividend income
- Income from freelancing or consultancy
- Rental income from property
- Income from digital platforms
The tax department receives information about all these through AIS, so non-disclosure will be caught during processing.
4. Wrong ITR Form
Filing the wrong form leads to rejection. Double-check:
- Your income sources match the form’s eligibility
- You haven’t exceeded turnover limits for presumptive taxation
- You’ve accounted for all types of income
5. Missing Supporting Documents
While you don’t upload documents during Online ITR Filling, maintain:
- Investment proofs for 80C claims
- Medical bills for 80D claims
- Rent receipts for HRA claims
- Home loan certificates
- Form 16 and salary slips
These may be requested if your return is selected for scrutiny.
Tracking Your Return and Refund Status
Check Processing Status
Method 1: Through E-Filing Portal
- Login to www.incometax.gov.in
- Navigate to “e-File” → “Income Tax Returns” → “View Filed Returns”
- Check status: Submitted → ITR Verified → Processing → Processed
Method 2: Via SMS Send an SMS to 57575: ITREFUND<space>PAN
Understanding Processing Stages
ITR Verified: Your return has been successfully verified and queued for processing
Processing: The CPC is examining your return and matching with their records
Processed – Refund Due: Your return is accepted and refund will be issued
Processed – No Refund: Return accepted with no additional tax payable or refundable
Refund Timeline
Normal Processing: 20-45 days after successful verification
With Issues: 3-6 months if additional verification required
Refund Credited: You’ll receive an intimation under Section 143(1) along with refund credit
If Refund Delayed:
- Check if your bank account is pre-validated
- Verify you entered correct bank details
- Check for any pending communications in your portal inbox
- Contact the helpdesk only after 60 days
Income Tax Online ITR Filling: Advanced Tips
For Faster Refunds
File in April or May: Returns filed early in the season get processed faster as the CPC has lower volumes
Use Aadhaar Verification: Instant verification means your return enters the processing queue immediately
Pre-validate Bank Account: Do this before filing, not during or after
Ensure Zero Discrepancy: Match every figure with Form 26AS and AIS
Tax Planning Throughout the Year
Don’t wait until March to think about taxes:
April-June: Review your salary structure, opt for the new or old tax regime, plan 80C investments
July-December: Spread out tax-saving investments, maintain receipts, submit proofs to employer
January-March: Make final investments, get Form 16, gather all documents
Regime Selection: The new tax regime offers lower rates but fewer deductions. Calculate your tax under both regimes before deciding. You can change this choice each year while filing your return.
Online ITR Download and Record Management
What to Download and Save
After successful verification, download:
ITR Acknowledgment (ITR-V): Proof of filing with acknowledgment number
Computation Sheet: Detailed tax calculation
Form 26AS: Annual tax credit statement
Email Communications: All confirmation emails from the department
How Long to Retain Documents
Legal Requirement: 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year
Best Practice: 10 years for major transactions like property sale
Digital Storage Tips:
- Create year-wise folders: “AY2026-27”, “AY2025-26”, etc.
- Use cloud storage with backup
- Scan physical documents (rent receipts, bills)
- Password-protect sensitive files
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting a tax professional if you:
- Have income from multiple sources (salary, business, rental, capital gains)
- Sold property or substantial stocks during the year
- Hold foreign assets or earned foreign income Online ITR Filling
- Received income from cryptocurrencies or NFTs
- Need to carry forward losses
- Received a notice from the Income Tax Department
- Are filing a revised or belated return
- Have complex deductions or exemptions
Finding the Right Professional:
- Verify credentials (CA membership number)
- Check experience with similar cases
- Get clear pricing upfront
- Ensure they provide post-filing support
FAQs About Online ITR Filing
Q: Can I revise my Online ITR Filling after submission? A: Yes, you can file a revised return under Section 139(5) before December 31, 2026, or before assessment completion, whichever is earlier.
Q: What if I miss the July 31 deadline? A: You can file a belated return until December 31, 2026, but you’ll pay a penalty of ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh) and cannot carry forward certain losses.
Q: How do I change from new to old tax regime? A: If you’re a salaried individual, you can switch regimes while Online ITR Filling. Business income earners must inform the department before the due date.
Q: Is income tax online ITR submission available 24/7? A: Yes, except during brief maintenance windows (usually announced in advance). However, Aadhaar verification services may have downtime late at night.
Q: Can someone else file Online ITR Filling on my behalf? A: Yes, you can authorize a CA or tax professional as an e-Return Intermediary, but you must verify the return yourself.
Conclusion
Online ITR filing in India has become increasingly user-friendly, with the government continuously improving the e-filing portal experience. Whether you choose free online ITR filing through the official portal or opt for paid Online ITR Filling services, the key to a smooth experience lies in preparation, accuracy, and timely submission.
Start gathering your documents now, familiarize yourself with the portal, and file Online ITR Filling well before the deadline. Remember, filing your ITR on time isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a financial best practice that can benefit you in numerous ways throughout the year.
Need Help? The Income Tax Department offers multiple support channels:
- Helpline: 1800 180 1961 (toll-free)
- Email: efilingindia@incometax.gov.in
- Live Chat: Available on the e-filing portal during business hours
About the Author: This guide is compiled based on official Income Tax Department circulars, notifications, and the Income Tax Act, 1961. Information is current as of January 2026. Tax laws are subject to change. For personalized advice, consult a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Readers should verify current tax laws and consult qualified professionals for their specific situations.
