Easiest way to file your INCOME TAX return online ITR Free of cost

This year we have got a new update regarding online Income Tax Return Filing. This time Income Tax Department of India has changed or you can say relaxed few things in terms of online return filing.

(I can bet you can file your return in less than 20 minutes that too free of cost)

Now Here is the complete process with new updates-

STEP 1 :: Go to DIT (Directorate of Income Tax) Website here https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal/index.do

Click on login if you are already registered
If you are not registered register yourself with your PAN CARD details.


STEP 2 :: As per your Return Filing criteria you can choose to fill ITR 1,ITR2, ITR3 or ITR 4

Check you correct return from this table https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal/selectforms.do

STEP 3 :: Now select respective Excel utility file from this page https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal/downloads.do and also download the instruction PDF for the same ITR


Note :: Before opening your Excel utility--

** Keep handy your Form 16 , Obtained from your employer and all your investment and earning details with you

** Enable macros in excel so that Excel Utility will work properly

** PDF help document to get help regarding various field in Excel utility

** Note your bank account details in case you are claiming any amount from IT Dept. Account no , MICR Code, Branch

STEP 4 :: Open the Excel Utility –

* Fill in details like Name and address (Preferably this will be your permanent address)

* Correctly fill your pan no and date of birth

* To select your Designation of Assessing Officer (Ward / Circle) follow the path http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/ and get your office ward by selecting the state in top left menu

* Fill your income details from form 16 and calculate the tax as per help PDF

* Now if you are claiming some tax from IT dept then you need to fill your bank account details in sheet 2 along with other details

* In page 3, fill all your tax paid details and TDS details (Please note that UTN ie Unique Transaction Number is not mandatory to filled)

STEP 5 :: Check whether you have filled all the required fields and Pres validate button on tab 1,2 or 3 and go to 4th tab of Excel utility


STEP 6 :: Cross check all the details as per the Excel file


STEP 7 :: Now click on Print, if you want to have a printed required … But this is not required if you ask me…. This is just to have a check


STEP 8 :: Now generate XML by click the Generate XML button then Excel will generate the XML and save it in parent location of Excel file.

STEP 9 :: goto DIT website https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal/index.do and login with your PAN card no and password


STEP 10 :: In left menu under Submit return select Assessment Year (AY 09-10) and select form name ITR1, 2,3 or 4. If you have Digital Signature then select the option Yes otherwise no for it.


STEP 11 :: on clicking the Next Button you will be asked to upload the XML file you have generated through Excel utility

On Successful Submission you will receive a copy of acknowledgment in your email. Now Just print the two copies of acknowledgment and sign it. Now you need to send these to Income tax office to the address mention in bottom of ITR5 through simple post only. In case you have filed your return with Digital signature then no need to send the acknowledgment copy ITR5.

That’s it.. You are a good citizen … you have filed your return