Don't Wait Until the Last Day: Here's Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online for AY 2026-27:

As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date is approaching, taxpayers are advised not to wait until the last date. Generally, there are high chances of website crashes on the deadline. Several taxpayers make mistakes while filing their tax returns, as they are not aware of the proper procedure for filing, which ultimately leads to penalties, notices, and prolonged litigation.

Consequently, here we have provided the step-by-step procedure to file an income tax return online on the e-filing portal:

Step 1: Visit the official income tax portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in.

Step 2: Log in using your PAN (as user ID) and password.

Step 3: On the homepage, click on the ITR Filing Section, and thereafter click on 'e-File' > 'Income Tax Returns' > 'File Income Tax Return.'

Step 4: Select the relevant assessment year for filing the tax return, i.e., AY 2026-27. After that, select online mode, and then click on 'Continue.'

Step 5: Select the correct ITR form as per your income source (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7).

Step 6: Specify the reason why you are filing the ITR:

1. Your aggregate income is more than the basic exemption limit.

2. Filing is mandatory due to specific criteria.

3. Other reasons that apply to your condition.

Step 7: Most of your personal and financial details, such as PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, salary and income details, and deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, etc., are pre-filled in the tax returns. However, taxpayers are advised to verify those details once if there are any discrepancies.

Step 8: After claiming every eligible exemption/deduction, if you owe any outstanding tax liability, then pay it. Please review the entire summary, confirm, and submit the return.

Step 9: ITR is not considered completely filed until a taxpayer verifies it. An ITR is required to be e-verified within 30 days of filing. The following are the ways in which a taxpayer can e-verify his/her tax return:

• Aadhaar OTP

• Net Banking

• Pre-validated Bank Account

• Demat Account

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

• Electronic Verification Code (EVC)

• Or send a signed ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru