How to File Income Tax Return (ITR) Online in India — 2025 Simple Guide (No CA Needed)
TruthWave India — Because financial rights should not depend on accountants.
Every year, crores of Indians file Income Tax Returns. Some do it to claim refunds. Some to prove income for loans. Some because employers force compliance. Yet millions still depend on paid agents and CAs, not because they want to — but because the system is intimidating, technical, slow, and full of unexplained errors.
TruthWave breaks down how ANY Indian can file ITR online, safely, confidently, and without paying a single rupee.
1. Who MUST File ITR in 2025?
You must file ITR if:
- Your annual income > ₹2.5 lakh (old regime)
- You received TDS and want refund
- You did freelance/online work
- You earned interest > ₹40,000
- You applied for visa/loan
- You invested in stocks/crypto
- You made rent or salary income above limits
Even if income is below limit — filing ITR builds financial history.
2. Documents Required Before Filing
Prepare these:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Bank account details
- Form 16 (if salaried)
- Salary slips
- Interest statements
- Rent receipts (if HRA claimed)
- 26AS Tax Statement
- AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Investment proofs (ELSS, LIC, PF, NPS)
TruthWave note:
Most ITR errors happen because AIS and 26AS are not checked.
3. Types of ITR Forms (Choose the Right One)
✔ ITR-1 (Sahaj)
For salaried individuals with income < ₹50 lakh.
✔ ITR-2
For people with capital gains, multiple properties, or foreign income.
✔ ITR-3
For business/professional income.
✔ ITR-4
For small businesses under presumptive taxation.
Most first-time filers use ITR-1.
4. How to File ITR Online — Step-by-Step (2025 Portal Method)
✔ Step 1 — Visit the official portal
✔ Step 2 — Login using PAN + OTP
First-time users must create a password.
✔ Step 3 — Go to “File Income Tax Return”
Select:
- Assessment Year: 2024–25
- Filing Type: Individual
✔ Step 4 — Choose ITR Form
Most common → ITR-1.
✔ Step 5 — Personal Information Auto-Filled
Verify:
- Name
- PAN
- Aadhaar
- Address
✔ Step 6 — Income Details
Data is usually auto-imported from Form 16 and AIS.
Cross-check with salary slips.
✔ Step 7 — Add Deductions (Optional)
Section 80C: LIC, ELSS, PF, PPF
Section 80D: Medical insurance
Section 80TTA: Savings interest
✔ Step 8 — Tax Summary Appears
Shows refund or amount payable.
✔ Step 9 — Validate & Submit
Portal checks errors.
✔ Step 10 — e-Verify ITR (Very Important)
Without this, ITR is not valid.
5. How to e-Verify Your ITR (3 Simple Methods)
✔ 1. Aadhaar OTP (fastest)
OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked phone.
✔ 2. Net Banking
Login → e-Verify → Done.
✔ 3. EVC (Electronic Verification Code)
Via bank account or demat.
TruthWave rule:
Never choose physical verification unless absolutely forced — delays take 30+ days.
6. How to Check Income Tax Refund Status
Refunds usually take 7–30 days.
✔ Check on Portal:
Login → e-File → View Filed Returns → Status.
✔ OR Check on Refund Page:
https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatus
If “refund failed,” reason is usually:
- Wrong IFSC
- Closed bank account
- Name mismatch
7. Common ITR Mistakes That Cause Rejection
❌ Wrong bank details
❌ Not verifying ITR
❌ Forgetting to report interest income
❌ Not checking AIS
❌ Using wrong ITR form
❌ Mismatched Aadhaar & PAN info
❌ Submitting without proof of deductions
Most errors come from lack of guidance, not lack of honesty.
8. TruthWave Lens — Why Indians Fear the ITR System
Because the system is designed with complexity, not clarity:
- Confusing tax regimes (old vs new)
- Technical terms everywhere
- AIS mismatches not explained
- Frequent portal crashes
- No multilingual support
- Heavy dependence on CAs
A delivery worker from Kolkata told TruthWave:
“I wanted my refund. CA asked for ₹800. My refund was only ₹900.”
The system punishes the poor — and rewards intermediaries.
9. Safety Precautions When Filing ITR
✔ Only use incometax.gov.in
✔ Never share OTP
✔ Avoid cyber café logins
✔ Use strong password
✔ Download ITR receipt (ITR-V)
✔ Keep Form 16 & AIS copies
Hackers often target tax season in India.
Conclusion — Tax Knowledge Is Power
Filing ITR is not just compliance — it is financial empowerment.
You prove income, build credit history, become eligible for loans, and claim the refunds that belong to you. TruthWave believes every citizen deserves a transparent system free from jargon, middlemen, and fear.
Your income is yours.
Your return is your right.
And your clarity is TruthWave’s mission.
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