For a long, people have been filing Income tax returns standing in lines with papers in their hands. However, with the development of new and innovative technologies, one can file taxes online, sitting in the living room in their comfort zone.
Income tax filing is now made easy! To begin with, all you need is a permanent account number or PAN number with which you can register on the e-filing portal and file your return. Further, to learn how to file ITR online, continue reading!
Visit the portal
You can easily assess the e-filling portal by visiting the Income Tax Department website. You can register on the portal if you are an individual, a firm, a trust, or a company. If you haven’t yet registered, choose the ‘Register Yourself’ option. As said, to register yourself, you need to have a valid PAN number; if you do not, you can apply here on the portal itself.
PAN Card and registration
If you are a PAN card holder, select the relevant user type and proceed with the registration process. While filling up the form, make sure you cross-check all your details twice and enter a valid mobile number and email address; also, don’t forget to validate the details.
After you submit it, a registration screen will appear. Enter the correct password and save it for future reference. Enter the other personal information and your correspondence address and submit the form. Further, the system will authenticate your respective details.
Transaction ID
A transaction ID will be generated on your successful submission, which you can see on your screen. Along with the transaction ID, an activation link will be sent to your registered email address.
Check your inbox and click on the link to activate your e-filing account. After doing this, you can log in to the income tax portal using your credentials. On the dashboard, you will see your current notifications and the details of your previous e-filing returns.
Account information
Click on the My Account button, and there you will find several services, such as a list of CA, outstanding tax demand, etc. With the E-file button, you can file your returns, and Downloads can be used for downloading your forms.
You must click on the Profile settings if you wish to update your profile, like PAN details, Digital Signature Upload, or change your password. The “My Request” option tracks requests apart from e-filing, such as status on request for intimation.
The Helpdesk option is available if you face any problems raising your ticket. You can also check the status for the same if you have raised a ticket. The Worklist option comprises the list of actions pending at your end.
How to e-file your taxes?
After registering on the Income tax portal, you can file your tax returns electronically. There are two ways of filing the returns through electronic mode.
- The first method is straightforward. You must download the ITR form on your desktop or laptop and click on the ‘Generate XML’ option. Save it on your device. Now open the Income tax filingportal and click on the ‘upload XML’ button. Log in to your account and upload the saved file; after doing this, you will get a confirmation message.
- The second option is to use the Online ITR form. All you have to do is log in to the portal and select the type of ITR form and your assessment year. If you have a digital signature, click Yes, and if you don’t, press Next, click on submit button. The Online ITR form will appear on the screen, asking you to fill in the details.
You will find Save as Draft, which you can select if you do not have all the information. Click on submit button. If you have a digital signature, you will receive an acknowledgment ID; if you do not, you will receive an ITR-V, which will be sent to the respective email ID. Print it and send it to Income Tax Department.
After going through this article, if you still find filing an income tax return tricky, you can take the help of an online auditor who can file the return on your behalf and can help you better explain the various sections, rules and provisions.
