How to File ITR Online
2026 — Complete
Step-by-Step Guide

Complete process

8 Steps to File ITR Online for FY 2025-26

1. 1
   Login to Income Tax e-Filing Portal

   Go to incometax.gov.in and login using your PAN as User ID and your password. New users must register first — click "Register" and complete registration using PAN and Aadhaar OTP. Pre-validate your bank account on the portal before filing to ensure refunds can be credited.

   💡 Keep your Form 16 (from employer), AIS (Annual Information Statement), and Form 26AS open in separate tabs before you start.
2. 2
   Select the Correct Portal Tab — Critical Step

   After login, the dashboard shows two sections. Look for the tab labeled "Income Tax Act 1961" or showing AY 2026-27 — click this one. Do not click the Income Tax Act 2025 tab. This is only for Tax Year 2026-27 returns to be filed from July 2027 onwards. Wrong tab = wrong forms = defective return.

   🚫 Common mistake: Many taxpayers are clicking the wrong tab this year due to the new portal layout. Double-check you see "AY 2026-27" before proceeding.
3. 3
   Navigate to File Income Tax Return

   From the dashboard, click e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return. On the next screen, select: Assessment Year: AY 2026-27 | Mode: Online | Filing Type: Original Return (unless revising a previously filed return). Click Continue.
4. 4
   Choose the Correct ITR Form

   Select your ITR form based on your income sources (see form guide below). This is the most critical step — choosing the wrong form generates a defective return notice from the IT department.

   💡 If you sold any mutual funds, stocks, or property during FY 2025-26, you cannot use ITR-1 — you must use ITR-2 even if your salary is below ₹50L.
5. 5
   Select Your Tax Regime

   If you haven't informed your employer via Form 12BB, or want to change your regime, select here. Choose New Tax Regime (default, ₹12L effective tax-free) or Old Tax Regime (if your deductions exceed ₹3.5–4L). Salaried taxpayers can switch every year at ITR filing.

   🚫 If you file a belated return after July 31, 2026, you are locked into the New Tax Regime for FY 2025-26 — you cannot opt for Old Regime.
6. 6
   Verify Pre-filled Data and Enter All Income

   Most personal details (name, PAN, DOB, bank account) are pre-filled. Carefully validate each section. Cross-check salary figures with Form 16 and TDS credits with Form 26AS. Enter all income sources — salary, interest, capital gains, rental income. Under Old Regime, enter deductions: 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest (24b), etc. Income in AIS but not declared will trigger a notice.

   💡 Download your AIS (Annual Information Statement) from the portal before filing — it shows all income sources the IT department knows about. Match everything.
7. 7
   Pay Any Balance Tax Due and Submit

   The portal calculates your tax liability automatically. If tax is payable (beyond TDS already deducted), pay the balance via e-Pay Tax → Challan 280 using net banking or UPI before submitting. After payment, the challan details auto-populate in your return. Then click Submit.

   💡 An acknowledgement number (ITR-V) is generated after submission. Save it — you'll need it for e-verification and any future correspondence.
8. 8
   E-Verify Your Return Within 30 Days

   Filing alone is not enough — you must e-verify within 30 days of filing or the return is treated as not filed. E-verify using: Aadhaar OTP (fastest), Net banking, Demat account EVC, or Bank account EVC. After successful e-verification, the IT department processes your return in 15–60 days and refunds are directly credited to your pre-validated bank account.

   🚫 Not e-verifying is the most common ITR mistake in India — your return becomes invalid even if filed before the deadline.

Pick your form

Which ITR Form Should You File?

Regime choice

New vs Old Regime — Choose Wisely

Avoid these

7 Common ITR Filing Mistakes in 2026