File your ITR free online — step by step
Filing on incometax.gov.in costs nothing. Follow these steps, check the pre-filled data, and e-verify — most salaried people finish in 30 minutes.
Documents
- PAN linked with Aadhaar, and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Form 16 from your employer (salaried)
- AIS and Form 26AS — download from the portal to match TDS and interest
- Bank interest certificates, rent receipts, investment proofs (only for the old regime)
- A pre-validated bank account for the refund
9 steps on incometax.gov.in
- Log in. Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with PAN (or Aadhaar) and password.
- Start the return. e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return → AY 2026-27 → Online.
- Choose your status and form. Individual → ITR-1 if you qualify; the portal helps you pick.
- Check the pre-filled data. Salary, TDS, interest and bank details come from Form 16, AIS and 26AS. Correct anything that is wrong.
- Choose the tax regime. New regime is the default. Use our income tax calculator to see which saves more.
- Add deductions (old regime only). 80C, 80D, HRA and home-loan interest, with proofs kept safe.
- Pay any tax due. Use e-Pay Tax; the challan details fill in automatically.
- Preview and submit. Read the summary once. Note the acknowledgement number.
- E-verify within 30 days. Aadhaar OTP is the quickest. Your return is complete only after verification.
Common questions
Can I file my ITR for free?
Yes. Filing on the official portal incometax.gov.in is completely free. Most salary and pension data is pre-filled from your Form 16, AIS and Form 26AS.
What is the last date for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26)?
For most individuals the due date was 31 July 2026 (ITR-1/ITR-2). If you missed it, you can still file a belated return up to 31 December 2026 with a late fee. For persons subject to tax audit, CBDT Circular 07/2026 extended the due date to 21 November 2026.
What is the late fee?
Under section 234F: ₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh, and ₹5,000 above that. Interest under section 234A also applies if tax is unpaid.
Which ITR form should I use?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) for resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh from salary or pension, up to two house properties, other sources, and long-term capital gains under section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh. Business income needs ITR-3 or ITR-4; other capital gains need ITR-2.
Do I have to verify the return?
Yes. E-verify within 30 days of filing — Aadhaar OTP is the easiest. A return that is not verified is treated as not filed.
Checked on 28 October 2026.
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