Ananya 
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online might sound a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. But thanks to the government’s upgraded e-filing portal, the process is now smoother and more user-friendly. Whether you’re a salaried person, a business owner, a pensioner, a housewife, or filing ITR for the first time, this complete guide will walk you through how to file ITR online in India for AY 2025-26, step by step.
Before You Begin: Documents Checklist
Make sure you gather all the required documents based on your category:
- Salaried Person: PAN card, Aadhaar card, Form 16, bank account details, and salary slips
- Business Owner: PAN, Aadhaar, profit & loss statement, GST details, bank account statements
- Pensioner: Pension certificate/slip, Form 16A (if applicable), interest certificates from the bank
- Housewife: Income proofs like interest income, rent receipts, or investment income
- First-Time Filers: PAN, Aadhaar, and any source of income proof (even bank interest)
How to File ITR Online Step by Step (AY 2025-26)
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in – this is the government’s e-filing portal.
Step 2: Log in or Register
- If you’ve filed before, log in using your PAN and password.
- If you’re a new user, click Register using your PAN, Aadhaar, and contact details.
Step 3: Start Your ITR Filing
- Click on e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return.
Step 4: Select the Right Assessment Year
- Choose AY 2025-26.
- Select Online as the filing mode.
Step 5: Choose Your Filing Status
- For most individuals, select Individual.
- For businesses or HUFs, select accordingly.
Step 6: Pick the Correct ITR Form
- ITR-1: For salaried persons, pensioners, housewives with basic income
- ITR-2: If you have capital gains or more than one house property
- ITR-3/ITR-4: For business owners or professionals with complex income
Note: As of early June 2025, only ITR-1 and ITR-4 are enabled for online filing. ITR-2 and ITR-3 will be available soon.
Step 7: Fill in Your Income and Deductions
- The system will auto-fill some details – always verify them
- Add income from all sources (salary, pension, rent, interest, etc.)
- Add deductions under 80C, 80D, 80G, etc.
Step 8: Review and Submit
- Double-check all entries
- Click Proceed to Verification
Step 9: E-Verify Your Return
- Use one of the following: Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account EVC
- You must verify within 30 days – the sooner, the better!
How to File ITR Online for Salaried Person
If you’re salaried, most of your details will be in Form 16. Log in, select ITR-1, check the auto-filled info, and add deductions. That’s it. Filing ITR online for salaried person is quick and easy.
How to File ITR Online for Business
Business owners should choose ITR-3 or ITR-4. Prepare your P&L statement, GST info, and income details. Carefully input your turnover and expenses. Attach required documents and submit.
How to File ITR Online for Pensioners
Use ITR-1 if your pension is your only income. Log in, verify auto-filled pension details, add interest income, and claim deductions. Simple and fast!
How to File ITR Online for the First Time
If you’ve never filed before:
- Register on the portal using your PAN and Aadhaar
- Collect all income proofs (even small sources)
- Follow the step-by-step guide above
- Use the help section on the portal if needed
How to File Income Tax Return Online for Housewife
If you’re a housewife with income from interest, rent, or investments:
- Choose ITR-1 or ITR-2, depending on complexity
- Be honest about your income
- Add all deduction details
Filing ITR is essential—even if your income is small. It helps build a financial record.
How to File ITR Online in India
Whether you live in Odisha, Delhi, Mumbai, or anywhere else—the steps are the same across India. Just ensure you:
- Use the latest forms
- File before the deadline (usually 31st July 2025 for most individuals)
- E-verify your return on time
How to File ITR Online 2025: Important Changes
- Only ITR-1 and ITR-4 are live on the portal as of now.
- Detailed documentation for deductions is now required.
- Always check the latest updates on the Income Tax portal before filing.
Tax Regimes: Old vs New
You can choose either:
- Old Regime: Allows deductions like 80C, 80D, HRA, etc.
- New Regime: Lower tax rates but no deductions
Choose what benefits you the most.
Final Thoughts: Why Filing Early Matters
The sooner you file, the faster you’ll get your refund (if applicable). Filing your income tax return online is now easier than ever with a clean interface, step-by-step guidance, and simplified verification. So don’t wait until the last minute-file early, stay stress-free, and build a strong financial profile.
