Filing your income tax return doesn’t have to feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. I get it. The first time I logged into the Income Tax portal, I stared at my screen for a good ten minutes. All those forms. All those codes. It felt overwhelming.

But here’s the truth: once you understand the basic flow, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Today, almost everything happens online. You file your return online. You pay your taxes online. You even verify your return online. No more running to cyber cafes or tax consultants for simple returns.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to:

• File your ITR online through the official portal
• Pay any pending tax through e-Pay Tax
• e-Verify your return within the 30-day deadline
• Use TRACES and Form 26AS to cross-check your tax credits
• Track your refund status after filing

Let’s break it down step by step.

Before You Start: Prerequisites for Online ITR Filing in India

Think of this as packing your bag before a trip. You need certain things ready before you can file.

PAN and Aadhaar

Your PAN is your tax identity. You can’t file without it.

But here’s something many people miss: your Aadhaar must be linked to your PAN. The government made this mandatory a while back. If you haven’t linked them yet, do it now. Otherwise, your PAN becomes inactive, and you can’t file your return.

Create Your e-Filing Account

Head over to eportal.incometax.gov.in. This is your home base for everything tax-related. If you’re new, you’ll need to register. Use your PAN or Aadhaar as your user ID. Set a strong password. Done. If you already have an account, just log in. Simple.

Update Your Contact Details and Bank Account

This part is critical. Make sure your mobile number and email are active. The portal sends OTPs and important notifications to these. If your phone number changed last year and you forgot to update it? You’ll have a problem.

Also, pre-validate at least one bank account. This is the account where your refund will land. To pre-validate, go to your profile section and add your bank details. The system will verify it with your bank. Without a pre-validated account, your refund will be stuck in limbo. Trust me, you don’t want that.

Gather Your Documents

Before you start filling out forms, collect everything you need:

• Form 16 from your employer (shows salary and TDS deducted)
• Form 16A if you have TDS on other income like interest
• Bank statements showing interest earned
• Investment proofs for deductions (PPF, insurance, etc.)
• Capital gains statements if you sold any property or investments
• Any other income receipts

Having these handy makes the process much faster. You’re not hunting for documents midway through filing.

Check Form 26AS via TRACES

Here’s where many people go wrong. They file their return without checking Form 26AS first.

What is Form 26AS?

Think of it as your tax report card. It shows all the tax already paid on your behalf:

• TDS deducted by your employer
• TDS on bank interest
• Advance tax you paid
• Self-assessment tax payments
• Even refunds you received

If there’s a mismatch between what’s in your ITR and what’s in Form 26AS, the department will notice. And that means notices, delays, and headaches.

How to view it:

Log into the e-Filing portal. Go to e-File, then click Income Tax Returns, and select View Form 26AS. The portal will redirect you to TRACES (that’s the backend system that maintains your tax credits).

Download it. Print it. Keep it next to you while filing.

I learned this the hard way. I once filed without checking Form 26AS. My employer had made a mistake in reporting my PAN. The TDS didn’t reflect in my 26AS. Result? My refund was delayed by months while I sorted it out.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Income Tax Return Online (India)

Alright, now we’re getting to the main event. Let me walk you through the filing process. I’ll base this on ITR-1, which most salaried people use. But the overall flow is similar for other forms too.

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

Go to www.incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN or Aadhaar. Enter your password. You might get an OTP for verification. Enter it.

You’re in.

Step 2: Start a New ITR

Look for e-File in the menu. Click it. Then go to Income Tax Returns and select File Income Tax Return.

The portal will ask you a few questions:

• Assessment Year: This is the year you’re filing for. If you’re filing for income earned in FY 2024-25, the assessment year is AY 2025-26. Sounds confusing, but it’s just government terminology.
• Mode: Choose Online. It’s easier than the offline JSON upload method.
• Filing Type: Usually, you’ll pick Original Return. If you’re correcting a previously filed return, choose Revised.

Step 3: Select Status and ITR Form

Are you an individual? A Hindu Undivided Family? A company?

Most readers here will pick Individual. Next, the portal asks which ITR form you need. Don’t panic. The system usually auto-suggests the right form based on your income sources.

• ITR-1: For salaried people with income from salary, one house property, and other sources (interest, etc.). Most common.
• ITR-2: If you have income from multiple house properties or capital gains.
• ITR-3: For people with business or professional income.
• ITR-4: For presumptive business income.

If you’re unsure, the portal has a handy “Help me choose” option. Use it.

Step 4: Pre-Filled Data and Personal Details

Here’s where the magic happens.

The portal auto-fills a lot of information:

• Your name, date of birth, address
• Your salary details from Form 16
• TDS deducted
• Bank interest (from banks that report it)

But don’t just assume it’s all correct. Review everything.

I’ve seen people whose employers entered the wrong address. Or whose bank interest wasn’t fully captured. Check each field carefully.

Step 5: Declare Income from All Sources

Now you fill in your income.

The portal breaks it down into heads:

• Salary: Usually pre-filled from your employer’s data. Verify it matches your Form 16.
• House Property: If you own a house, enter details. Rental income, home loan interest, etc.
• Capital Gains: Sold stocks? Mutual funds? Property? Enter the gains here.
• Business or Profession: For freelancers, consultants, business owners.
• Other Sources: Bank interest, dividends, winnings, gifts.

Cross-check everything with your Form 26AS. If your bank deducted TDS on your fixed deposit interest, that should show up in both places.

Step 6: Claim Deductions and Exemptions

This is where you save tax.

The portal has sections for various deductions:

• 80C: Investments in PPF, ELSS, insurance, principal repayment of home loan, tuition fees, etc. Maximum deduction is ₹1.5 lakh.
• 80D: Health insurance premiums for yourself and your parents.
• 80G: Donations to eligible charities.
• HRA: If you’re paying rent and your employer gives you HRA.
• LTA: Leave Travel Allowance exemption.

Don’t inflate these. Claim only what you actually spent and have proof for. The department can ask for proof later.

Step 7: Compute Tax and Check Tax Payable

Once you’ve entered everything, the portal does the math.

It shows:

• Total income
• Total deductions
• Taxable income
• Tax on taxable income
• Less: TDS and advance tax already paid
• Tax payable or refund

If the final number is positive, you owe the government money. You need to pay it before submitting your return.

If it’s negative, congratulations. You’re getting a refund.

Step 8: Pay Outstanding Tax Online (Self-Assessment Tax)

Let’s say you owe ₹5,000. You can’t just submit your return and ignore it.

You need to pay it through e-Pay Tax. I’ll cover the full process in the next section, but here’s the quick version:

Go to the e-Pay Tax section on the portal. Generate a challan. Pay via net banking, UPI, or card. Save the challan receipt. Then come back to your ITR form and enter the challan details.

Once the payment reflects (usually instant), your tax payable will show as zero. Now you can proceed.

Step 9: Validate, Preview, and Submit Return

Before hitting submit, use the Validate button. This checks for obvious errors. Missing PAN. Incorrect formats. That sort of thing.

If validation passes, click Preview. You’ll see a full summary of your ITR. Every number you entered. Every deduction you claimed.

Read through it. This is your last chance to catch mistakes.

If everything looks good, click Submit.

The portal will ask you how you want to verify your return:

• e-Verify now: Best option. Do it immediately.
• e-Verify later: You’ll get 30 days to complete verification.
• Send signed ITR-V by post: Old-school method. Not recommended unless you have no other option.

Pick e-Verify now if you can. Get it done and dusted.

How to Pay Income Tax Online in India (e-Pay Tax, Net Banking, UPI, Cards)

So you have some tax to pay. Maybe it’s self-assessment tax. Maybe you missed paying advance tax. Whatever the reason, you need to pay online before filing.

Here’s why timing matters: even if the ITR filing deadline gets extended (which happens sometimes), the deadline to pay tax is usually fixed. If you pay late, you’ll face interest charges under Section 234A, 234B, or 234C.

Nobody wants to pay extra interest. So pay on time.

Option 1: Pay via e-Pay Tax on the e-Filing Portal

This is the most common method.

The e-Filing portal has an e-Pay Tax section. You can access it even before logging in. But it’s easier to do it after you log in because your PAN is already filled in.

Here’s the flow:

1. Go to e-Pay Tax (under the e-File menu or directly from the homepage).
2. Choose the type of payment: Self-assessment tax, advance tax, regular assessment tax, etc.
3. Fill in details:
   • Your PAN
   • Assessment year
   • Type of tax (Income Tax, typically)
   • Minor head (select the appropriate one based on your situation)
4. The system generates a challan (payment slip) with a unique CRN (Challan Reference Number).
5. Choose your payment mode:
   • Net banking (most popular)
   • Debit card or credit card
   • UPI
   • NEFT/RTGS if you’re paying at a bank branch
6. Complete the payment. You’ll be redirected to your bank’s site or payment gateway.
7. Once done, you’ll get a receipt. Download it. Save it. Keep it safe.

The payment usually reflects in your account within minutes. Sometimes it takes a few hours.

After payment, go back to your ITR form. If the challan details don’t auto-populate, enter them manually. Then recompute the tax. Your tax payable should now show zero.

Now you can submit your return without any worries.

What If You Miss the Tax Payment Deadline?

Let’s say July 31 was the deadline, and you paid on August 5. You’ll be charged interest for those extra days. The rate is typically 1% per month or part of a month. It’s not a huge amount for small delays, but it’s still avoidable. Plan ahead. Pay on time.

How to e-Verify Income Tax Return in India (Within 30 Days)

You’ve filed your return. Feels good, right?

But hold on. You’re not done yet.

Until you verify your return, it’s not considered filed. The Income Tax Department won’t process it. They won’t issue your refund. They won’t even acknowledge it.

From August 1, 2022, the rules changed. You now have 30 days from the date of filing to verify your return. Not a day more.

If you miss this deadline, your return becomes invalid. You’ll have to request condonation (basically asking for forgiveness) and then verify. It’s a hassle. Avoid it.

e-Verification Methods (Online)

There are several ways to verify your return electronically. Pick whichever is easiest for you.

1. Aadhaar OTP

This is the quickest method.

When you choose this option, an OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. You enter the OTP on the portal. Done. Your return is verified in seconds.

Requirement: Your mobile number must be updated in Aadhaar. If it’s not, this won’t work.

2. Net Banking

If you have net banking with an authorized bank, use this.

Log in to your bank’s net banking portal. Look for the Income Tax e-Filing section. The bank will redirect you to the tax portal. Select your return from the list. Click e-Verify.

The bank confirms your identity. Your return is verified.

Most major banks support this: SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and many others.

3. Bank Account EVC

EVC stands for Electronic Verification Code.

Here’s how it works: you generate an EVC from your pre-validated bank account on the e-Filing portal. The system sends a 10-digit code to your registered mobile number and email.

You then enter this EVC on the portal to verify your return.

It’s similar to Aadhaar OTP but uses your bank details instead.

4. Demat Account EVC

If you have a demat account (for holding stocks and mutual funds), you can use it for verification too.

The process is the same as bank EVC. Generate the code from your pre-validated demat account. Enter it on the portal. Verified.

5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

This is for people who already have a DSC. Mostly used by professionals, company directors, or people filing ITR-5, ITR-6, or ITR-7.

You download a DSC utility from the portal. Attach your signature. Upload it. Done.

For most individual taxpayers, this isn’t necessary. Stick with Aadhaar OTP or net banking.

6. Offline Alternative: ITR-V

Can’t use any of the online methods? There’s one offline option.

Download the ITR-V (acknowledgment) from the portal. Print it. Sign it. Send it by post to:

Income Tax Department – CPC, Post Bag No. 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bengaluru – 560100, Karnataka

You still have to send it within 30 days of filing. And it takes longer because of postal delays.

Honestly, I’d avoid this unless there’s absolutely no other option. Online verification is instant. Postal verification can take weeks.

What If You Miss the 30-Day Deadline?

Let’s say life got busy. You forgot to verify. The 30 days passed.

Now what?

Your return is treated as not filed. But there’s a way out.

The portal allows you to submit a condonation request. You have to explain why you missed the deadline. Valid reasons include medical emergencies, technical issues, being out of the country, etc.

Submit the request online. Once the department approves it (which can take time), you can then e-verify your return.

But here’s the catch: until they approve and you verify, your return isn’t valid. So if you owe tax, interest keeps accumulating. If you’re expecting a refund, it’s delayed.

Bottom line: Don’t let it get to this point. Set a reminder. Verify within a day or two of filing.

Using TRACES: Checking Tax Credits Before and After Filing

TRACES sounds complicated. It’s not.

It stands for TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System. It’s the backend system where all your TDS, TCS, and tax credit information lives.

For you, the important thing is Form 26AS. This document is hosted on TRACES and shows every tax payment made on your behalf.

Why Check TRACES Before Filing?

Because mismatches cause problems.

Let’s say your employer deducted TDS of ₹50,000 from your salary. But they made a mistake while filing their TDS return. They entered the wrong PAN. Now that ₹50,000 doesn’t show up in your Form 26AS.

You file your ITR claiming credit for ₹50,000 TDS. The department checks Form 26AS. They see zero. Red flag.

Now you’re in a loop. Explaining. Providing documents. Waiting. It’s a mess.

Avoid this by checking Form 26AS before filing.

How to View Form 26AS

It’s simple:

1. Log into eportal.incometax.gov.in.
2. Go to e-File in the menu.
3. Click Income Tax Returns.
4. Select View Form 26AS.
5. You’ll be redirected to TRACES.
6. Choose the assessment year.
7. View or download the PDF.

The form shows:

• TDS on salary
• TDS on other income (interest, rent, etc.)
• TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on purchases
• Advance tax payments
• Self-assessment tax payments
• Refunds received

Match every entry with your documents. If something’s missing, contact the deductor (your employer, bank, etc.) immediately.

I once found that my bank hadn’t reported TDS on a fixed deposit. A quick call to them, and they rectified it within a week. If I hadn’t checked, I’d have lost that tax credit.

AIS (Annual Information Statement)

There’s also something called AIS now. It’s a more detailed version of Form 26AS. It includes:

• Interest earned
• Dividends received
• Sale of securities
• Property purchases
• High-value transactions

The portal shows AIS alongside Form 26AS. Check both.

How to Check Status of Income Tax Refund in India

You’ve filed. You’ve verified. Your return shows you’re due a refund.

Now the waiting game begins.

How do you know if your refund has been processed? Where is it now? Has it been credited to your account?

There are two ways to check.

Option 1: Check via e-Filing Portal

This is the easiest.

1. Log into eportal.incometax.gov.in.
2. Go to e-File, then Income Tax Returns, then View Filed Returns.
3. You’ll see a list of all your filed returns by assessment year.
4. Click on the relevant AY.
5. Look for Refund Status in the timeline.

The status will say something like:

• Refund determined: The department has calculated your refund.
• Refund issued: Money has been sent to your bank.
• Refund credited: Money is in your account.

Sometimes it also shows if there’s a mismatch or if the refund is held for verification.

Option 2: Check via NSDL/Protean Portal

The Income Tax Department also has a dedicated refund status page powered by NSDL (now called Protean).

From the e-Filing portal, click on Refund Status. It’ll take you to an external page. Enter your PAN and assessment year. You’ll see detailed info:

• When the refund was processed
• Mode of payment (NEFT, cheque, etc.)
• Date of credit
• Bank account where it was sent

This page has more granular details than the e-Filing portal. Use it if you need specifics.

Why Refunds Get Delayed

Sometimes refunds take longer than expected. Common reasons:

• Bank account not pre-validated: If your account isn’t validated on the portal, the refund fails. The department then issues a cheque, which takes even longer.
• PAN-bank account linking issues: The department cross-checks your PAN with your bank account. If there’s a mismatch, they hold the refund.
• Processing backlogs: Near the end of the financial year, the department processes millions of returns. Delays are common.

Good news: The government recently tied up with NPCI to enable real-time PAN-bank account linking. This should make refunds faster going forward.

If your refund is genuinely delayed beyond a reasonable time (say 3-4 months after verification), you can raise a grievance on the portal. Go to Services, then Raise Grievance, and follow the steps.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Even the smoothest process has bumps. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Portal Not Loading or Glitches Near Deadline

Every year, as the ITR deadline approaches, the portal slows down. Too many people filing at once.

Last year, the news was full of reports about the site crashing or pages not loading. Taxpayers were understandably frustrated.

Here’s what you can do:

• File early: Don’t wait until the last day. File at least a week before the deadline.
• Use off-peak hours: Try filing late at night or early morning when traffic is lower.
• Clear browser cache: Sometimes old cache causes issues. Clear it and try again.
• Try a different browser: If Chrome isn’t working, try Firefox or Edge.
• Check your internet connection: A slow or unstable connection can make the portal seem broken when it’s not.

If none of this works and the deadline is looming, take screenshots of the error messages. You can use these to request condonation later if needed.

Mismatch Between Form 26AS and ITR

You filed your return claiming ₹1 lakh in TDS. But Form 26AS shows only ₹80,000.

The department sends you a notice asking for an explanation.

How to fix it:

• Go to e-File, then Respond to Outstanding Demand/Pending Actions.
• Look for Tax Credit Mismatch.
• The system shows you the discrepancies.
• If the error is on your end (you claimed more than was actually deducted), file a revised return.
• If the error is on the deductor’s end (they didn’t report it correctly), contact them. Ask them to file a correction statement.

Once corrected, the mismatch disappears and your return gets processed normally.

Refund Delayed Beyond Expected Time

You verified your return three months ago. Still no refund.

First, check the refund status online (I covered this earlier). See what stage it’s at.

If it says “Refund failed,” it’s likely a bank account issue. Ensure your account is pre-validated. If not, do it now and raise a refund re-issue request.

If it says “Refund processed” but money hasn’t reached you, check with your bank. Sometimes banks hold refunds for verification. Call their customer care.

If there’s no clear reason for the delay, raise a grievance on the portal. Provide all details: PAN, assessment year, acknowledgment number.

The department usually responds within 30 days.

e-Verification Pending or Failed

You tried to e-verify using Aadhaar OTP. But the OTP never came. Or it came too late and expired.

Common reasons:

• Mobile number not linked with Aadhaar.
• Network issues.
• Incorrect Aadhaar details on the portal.

Solutions:

• Update your mobile number in Aadhaar (you can do this online at the UIDAI portal).
• Try a different verification method: net banking or bank EVC.
• If OTP expired, request a fresh one. EVCs are usually valid for 72 hours.

Don’t panic. You have 30 days. Use a different method if one isn’t working.

FAQs: Online ITR Filing and e-Verification in India

Let me answer some common questions people have.