How to file income tax returns online in 15 minutes?

How to file income tax returns online in just 15 minutesHow to file income tax returns online in 15 minutes?


As the month of July approaches, the lines of tension start appearing on the heads of many individuals as the last date of filing of income tax returns is coming closer. The last date of filing income tax returns for individuals is 31st July and for the firms whose accounts are not auditable. With the advancement of technology, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has made the facility to file the returns online. The online route of filing returns is very easy, convenient and cheap as well. In this article, I would provide simple steps on how to file income tax returns online in just 15 minutes.

How to file income tax returns online in 15 minutes?


The government has made it compulsory to e-file your return if your income is above Rs. 5 lakh. For filing your return, you can opt for the official website of the income tax department or a dozen of private websites.

Also Read: Ways to show NSC Interest in your income tax returns

How to file income tax returns online through Govt website?


Step 1- Firstly, log in to the Income Tax website. The person has to create his log in id and has to give his email and mobile number. The income tax website issues you a onetime pin on your registered email id and mobile number. At the time of creating the account, your PAN will be your user id. By entering this pin, your account will be created.

Step 2- Under the download menu, click on the income tax return form and choose the correct forms that are applicable to you. Download the Return Preparer Software (excel utility) and complete the form entering all the data.

Step 3- Ascertain the tax payable by clicking the ‘calculate tax’ tab. Pay tax (if applicable) and enter the details of Challan in the tax return.

Step 4- By clicking the validate tab, confirm all the information on the worksheet.

Step 5- Proceed to generate an XML file and save it on your computer.

Step 6 – On the portal’s left panel, go to ‘upload return’ and upload the saved XML file and the relevant form after selecting AY 2016-17 (for the financial year 2015-16). You will be asked whether you wish to digitally sign the file. Choose ‘YES’ if you have obtained digital signatures, otherwise choose ‘NO’.

Step 7 – Once the message about the successful e-filing flashes on your screen, you can consider the process to be complete. The acknowledgement form ITR-Verification (ITR-V) will be generated and you can download it.

Step 8 – Take a print out of the form ITR-V, sign it in blue ink and send it only by ordinary post or speed post to the following address-

  • Income Tax Department-CPC
  • Post Bag No. 1
  • Electronic City Post Office
  • Bengaluru- 560100     
  • Karnataka

You can send it in 120 days of filing your return online.

How to file income tax returns online through other websites?


There are many private websites also available that provide the facility of filing your income tax return electronically. These portals may charge a fee depending upon, the services you avail. You can check top free websites for income tax filing in India. The individual may prepare his return on his own or take the services of professional chartered accountants.

Which IT Form to be used while filing income tax returns online?


ITR 1- this return form is used by those individuals who are

  • Having their income in the form of salary
  • Rental income from one house
  • Any exempted income up to RS. 5,000
  • Other source income excluding horse racing and lottery

ITR- 2A – This form is used by salaried persons and own more than one house property and do not have any capital gains.

ITR-2 – This form can be used by an individual or a Hindu Undivided Family whose total income for the assessment year 2016-17 includes-

  • Income from salary
  • Income from house property
  • Income from capital gains
  • Income from other sources

Further, in cases where the income of other persons like spouse, children etc. Is to be clubbed with the income of the assessee, this form can be used.

ITR-3 – This return form can be used by the individuals or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) who is a partner in a partnership firm or LLP.

ITR-4S – This ITR is used by individuals or HUF having proprietorship business and showing net profit of total turnover.

Also Read: How to be familair with Income Tax Provisions in just few minutes

ITR-4 – This ITR is used by individuals and HUF having proprietorship business and getting their accounts audited.

ITR-5 – This return form is used by the partnership firms and LLP.

Hope, this article helps you with the burden of filing your income tax electronically by providing the step-by-step process in simple language.

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Suresh
How to file income tax returns online in 15 minutes

Suresh KP

4 comments

  1. Hi Suresh,

    Thanks for sharing the valuable information.

    I have an annual income for the year 2015-2016 is 3,60,000 (3.6 lakh per annum).
    Shall i file the income tax returns?

    Thanks and Regards
    Sagar

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