How to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR) — A Beginner's Overview

The basic step-by-step process

Filing happens online through the official income tax e-filing portal. The general flow looks like this:

1. Register or log in on the income tax e-filing portal using your PAN.
2. Confirm the correct ITR form for your income type (the portal often pre-suggests one).
3. Review pre-filled details — much of your salary and TDS data may auto-populate from Form 16 and 26AS.
4. Add any missing income — bank interest, freelance income, capital gains, etc.
5. Claim eligible deductions and pick your tax regime.
6. Check the tax/refund summary, pay any balance tax due if applicable.
7. Submit and e-verify the return — usually via Aadhaar OTP, net banking or other approved methods.

The single most-missed final step is e-verification. A filed-but-unverified return is treated as not filed, so don't stop until you see the verification confirmation.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to e-verify after submitting.
• Ignoring small income like savings-account or FD interest — it still counts.
• Mismatch with Form 26AS/AIS, which can invite questions later.
• Wrong bank details, which can delay a refund.
• Waiting until the last day, when the portal is busiest and mistakes are likely.