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New Delhi. The online process of filing income tax returns (ITR) has become easier, yet new people are a little scared. Do not worry This guide will step into step by step, explain to you like a story how to fill the ITR, how to get a copy of it and what mistakes to avoid. Remember, every Indian citizen must fill its ITR, whether income is from salary, business, selling property, shares or interest-division.

ITR filling deadline
Last day to pay without fines: CA Santosh Mishra says that the last date to file ITR is 15 September 2025. If you file ITR till this date (of financial year 2024-25 / assessment year 2025-26), then you will not have to pay any fine of delay.

What will happen if filed late?
Mishra says, “Suppose for some reason you fill the ITR after 15 September, but before 31 December 2025, you have to pay a fine. The fine can start from ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 10,000. It will depend on how much you have delayed and how much your taxable income is. That is, the delay can cost expensive.”

Let us now know the easy way to file ITR online
1. Log in on the website
First of all, visit the official website of the Income Tax Department (Inometax.gov.in). If you are already registered, then put your user ID and password and log in.

2. If new is new then register
If you are filing for the first time, you have to register first. For this, you have to give your PAN, Aadhaar number and some other important information, like a new bank account while opening an account.

3. Choose menu
After logging in, you will see the ‘E-File’ menu. Go and click on ‘Income Tax Returns’ and then choose ‘File Income Tax Return’. Now the journey of your ITR filing has started.

4. Choose Ay and Mode
Now you will be asked the assessment year (AY). Since we are filling the FY 2024-25 returns, select Ay 2025-26. Then, choose your favorite method (mode) of filing.

5. Status and ITR Form
On the next page you have to tell which category you fall. Are you an individual (individual), a Hindu undivided family (HUF) or any other? Choose your status and press the ‘Continue’ button. Then, choose the right ITR form for you (eg ITR-1, ITR-2, etc.) and also decide whether you want to live in the old tax slab (Old Regim) or in the new (New Regiment).

6. Check and fix your details
Now you will get your pre -filled personal information (eg name, address, etc.). Watch it carefully. If there is a mistake or updating information, you can edit there. Click on ‘Proceed’ when everything seems right.

7. Tax Calculation and Payment
The system will now calculate your income and tax payable. On completion of the account, you will have two options. ‘Pay Now’ or ‘Pay Later’. If you want to pay tax, you can fill it now or choose the option to fill later. Also, you can see if you are going to get some refund.

8. See one more time
After paying tax (had to pay), press the ‘Preview Return’ button. The draft of your return will be seen. Check it well that everything is correct. Then click on ‘Proceed to Validation’.

9. Message and verification of success
Now you will see a message of success. Your ITR has been successfully filed. Also, the ITR Verification Form (ITR-V) will be ready to download. Do not forget to download it and it is very important to do e-verification within 30 days.

Avoid these mistakes
– CA Ajay Bagadia is cautioning some such mistakes, which is necessary to avoid.
-PAN and Aadhaar number: Make sure your PAN and Aadhaar numbers are linked to each other. Returns without linkage are not filed.
– Bank Account validate: The bank account in which you want refund, definitely validate it. Its process is also done on the website itself.
– Right ITR Form: It is very important to choose the right ITR form according to the sources of your income. Return may be rejected by choosing wrong form.
-Deadline and e-verification: File not only on ITR time, but also do its e-verification (confirmation of ITR-V) within 30 days. Your return will be considered incomplete without verification.
– Don’t forget to answer the notice: If a notice or querry comes from the Income Tax Department, then give it within the given time limit. Ignoring may increase trouble.