Ultimate Guide to ITR Filing AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25): Step-by-Step e-Filing Process
Let’s be honest, dealing with taxes in India and ITR filing AY 2025-26 can sometimes feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending puzzle. There are so many forms, deadlines, and rules that it’s easy to feel lost or frustrated. And let’s face it, missing even a tiny detail in your ITR filing AY 2025-26 can mean late fees, delayed refunds, or those annoying notices from the tax department.
If you earned any income between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, it’s almost time to file your return for Assessment Year 2025-26. But don’t stress! This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll break down why filing your ITR on time really matters, help you figure out which form you actually need, walk you step-by-step through the e-filing process, and share some smart tips to make the whole thing way easier.
1. Why Timely ITR Filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) Matters
Filing your Income Tax Return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) on time:
- Avoids Late Fees: Penalties start at ₹1,000 and climb the longer you delay.
- Speeds Up Refunds: Early e-filers get refunds processed within weeks.
- Ensures Compliance: A clean record prevents tax notices and blocks on credit/loan applications.
2. Key Updates for E-Filing ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
- Portal Go-Live Date: June 4, 2025 – START your return now.
- Extended Deadline: September 15, 2025 (instead of July 31) gives extra breathing room.
- New LTCG Reporting: Up to ₹1.25 lakh of equity gains can be reported in ITR-1 & ITR-4.
3. Which ITR Form to Choose for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
3.1 ITR-1 (Sahaj) for Salaried & Pensioners
- Who: Resident individuals with total income ≤ ₹50 lakh.
- What: Salary/pension, one house property, ≤ ₹5,000 agricultural income, interest, family pension, equity LTCG ≤ ₹1.25 lakh.
3.2 ITR-4 (Sugam) for Presumptive Business Income
- Who: Residents/HUFs/firms (non-LLP) with total income ≤ ₹50 lakh.
- What: Presumptive business/professional income (Sections 44AD/44ADA/44AE) + same heads as ITR-1.
4. Pre-Filing Checklist for ITR Filing FY 2024-25
- PAN–Aadhaar Link: Must be linked and updated.
- Form 16/16A: Salary and TDS certificates.
- Form 26AS: Tax credits summary.
- Proofs for Deductions: 80C (PPF, ELSS), 80D (health insurance), etc.
- Bank Details: Account number & IFSC.
- DSC: If you need a digital signature.
5. How to E-File Your ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26): Detailed Walkthrough
- Login
- Visit incometax.gov.in, enter PAN, password, CAPTCHA.
- Select Return
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Return → AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25).
- Choose Form
- Pick ITR-1 or ITR-4 based on your income sources.
- Import Pre-Filled Data
- Download XML to auto-populate TDS, tax payments, personal info.
- Fill Income & Deductions
- Enter salary, house property, capital gains, and Chapter VI-A deductions.
- Validate & Preview
- Click Validate for errors, then Preview to confirm totals.
- Submit & E-Verify
- Submit online, then e-verify via Aadhaar OTP, net-banking, EVC, or DSC within 30 days.
6. Top Tips for Hassle-Free ITR e-Filing for FY 2024-25
- File Early: Beat portal traffic and glitches.
- Keep PDFs Handy: All investment and expense proofs.
- Reconcile 26AS: Ensure TDS and advance tax credits match.
- Download ITR-V: Save the acknowledgment immediately after e-verification.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing ITR for FY 2024-25
- Wrong Form: Double-check eligibility before you start.
- Missed Deadline: Mark September 15, 2025 on your calendar.
- No E-Verification: Unverified returns are considered invalid.
- Incorrect Details: Typos in PAN or bank info delay refunds.
