How to File ITR Online: Step-by-Step for Salaried Individuals
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is how you report your annual income, claim deductions, and get any excess TDS refunded. For most salaried individuals, the whole process happens online on incometax.gov.in and takes under an hour if your documents are ready. This guide walks through it for ITR-1 (Sahaj) — the form for resident salaried individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN (linked with Aadhaar) and Aadhaar
- Form 16 from your employer (issued by ~15 June) — salary + TDS details
- Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) — download from the portal; cross-check every TDS entry
- Bank statements / interest certificates for savings interest and other income
- Investment proofs for deductions you will claim (80C, 80D, etc. — old regime only)
- Bank account details for refund credit (pre-validate the account on the portal)
Which ITR form?
| Your situation | Form |
|---|---|
| Salaried, total income up to ₹50L, one house property, other income up to ₹50L | ITR-1 (Sahaj) |
| Salaried + capital gains, or income above ₹50L, or more than one house property | ITR-2 |
| Business or profession income | ITR-3 or ITR-4 (Sugam) depending on case |
When in doubt, the portal's “which form” help and a tax professional can confirm — filing the wrong form can invalidate the return.
Filing steps on incometax.gov.in
Log in and start
Log in at incometax.gov.in → e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return. Select the correct Tax Year, filing mode (online), and your ITR form.
Let the portal pre-fill, then verify
The portal pre-fills salary, TDS, and interest data from Form 16, 26AS, and AIS. Verify every figure — pre-filled data can miss or duplicate entries. Correct mismatches before proceeding.
Choose your regime and claim deductions
Pick old vs new regime (see our comparison guide). If old regime, enter your 80C/80D/HRA and other deductions with correct amounts.
Review tax computation
Check the computed tax payable or refund. If tax is due, pay it via e-Pay Tax first (self-assessment tax) so the return validates cleanly.
Submit and verify within 30 days
Submit the return, then e-verify — Aadhaar OTP is the easiest. Verification within 30 days is mandatory; an unverified return is treated as not filed.
Track processing and refund
Processing usually takes a few weeks. You get an intimation under Section 143(1); refunds are credited to your pre-validated bank account. Track status via e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns and the Refund/Demand Status service.
Mistakes that cost salaried filers
- Not reconciling 26AS/AIS with Form 16 — mismatches trigger notices.
- Forgetting interest income — savings-account and FD interest is taxable and must be reported even if TDS was cut.
- Claiming the wrong regime — compare both every year; the default is not always the cheapest.
- Missing the verification step — unverified returns lapse after 30 days.
- Wrong bank account — refunds fail if the account is not pre-validated on the portal.
Frequently asked questions
Most salaried residents with total income up to ₹50 lakh use ITR-1 (Sahaj). If you have capital gains, income above ₹50 lakh, or more than one house property, ITR-2 applies. Business income needs ITR-3/ITR-4.
For most salaried individuals (non-audit cases), the usual due date is 31 July following the end of the Tax Year — e.g. 31 July 2027 for Tax Year 2026–27. Late filing attracts fees and interest, so confirm the notified date each year.
Yes. You must e-verify (Aadhaar OTP, net-banking EVC, etc.) within 30 days of filing. An unverified return is treated as not filed.
On the e-filing portal: e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns, and the Refund/Demand Status service. Refunds go to your pre-validated bank account.
Correct it before submitting — you are responsible for the final figures. Cross-check salary with Form 16 and TDS entries with Form 26AS/AIS, and report discrepancies to your deductor if needed.