How to file ITR online yourself: step-by-step guide (AY 2026-27)

Quick answer: Log in to incometax.gov.in with your PAN, go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return, pick the assessment year and the right ITR form (ITR-1 for most salaried people with income up to ₹50 lakh), check the pre-filled data against Form 16, Form 26AS and AIS, choose your tax regime, pay any tax due, submit, and e-verify within 30 days — Aadhaar OTP is the easiest. For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), the normal due date was 31 July 2026 for ITR-1 and ITR-2 (31 August 2026 for ITR-3 and ITR-4 without audit); you can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026.

Key takeaways

• Most salaried people can file ITR-1 themselves in 20–30 minutes.
• Always match the return with your AIS — the tax department already sees your interest, dividends and share sales.
• ITR-1 now allows long-term capital gains up to ₹1.25 lakh (section 112A) and two house properties.
• A belated return costs a ₹5,000 late fee (₹1,000 if income is up to ₹5 lakh) plus interest on unpaid tax.
• An un-verified return is treated as not filed. E-verify within 30 days.

Filing your own income tax return sounds scary, but the portal now pre-fills almost everything. This guide shows which form to use, what to keep ready, every screen you'll see, how to handle mismatches, and what to do after filing — including refunds and notices.

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#Key dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

#Which ITR form should you file?

Tip: Sold any shares or mutual funds at a loss, or made short-term gains? You need ITR-2, even if your salary is small. ITR-1 only allows small long-term gains.

#What to keep ready

• PAN (linked with Aadhaar — see PAN–Aadhaar link status) and Aadhaar-linked mobile
• Form 16 from your employer (salary and TDS)
• AIS and TIS — download from the portal (Services → Annual Information Statement)
• Form 26AS — TDS and tax paid
• Bank interest certificates (savings, FDs)
• Capital gains statements from your broker and mutual fund (CAMS/KFin)
• Rent receipts, investment proofs, home loan certificate — only if you choose the old regime
• A pre-validated bank account for refunds (Profile → My Bank Account)

#Step-by-step: file ITR-1 online

1. Log in at incometax.gov.in with PAN (user ID), password, or Aadhaar OTP.
2. Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return.
3. Select Assessment Year 2026-27 and Online mode. Click Start New Filing.
4. Choose your status (Individual) and the ITR form — or let the portal suggest one by answering questions.
5. Pick the reason for filing — usually "taxable income above basic exemption" or "to claim a refund".
6. Personal information — check name, address, bank account, and choose your tax regime. The new regime is the default; tick "opt out" for the old regime.
7. Gross Total Income — salary details are pre-filled from Form 16 / employer TDS. Check:
   • Salary, allowances and perquisites
   • Standard deduction (₹75,000 new / ₹50,000 old)
   • House property income or home loan interest
   • Income from other sources — savings interest, FD interest, dividends. Match with AIS.
8. Deductions — only in the old regime (80C, 80D, etc.). Pick the exact clause from the drop-down.
9. Taxes paid — TDS and advance tax are pre-filled from 26AS. Check every entry.
10. Total tax liability — the portal shows tax due or refund.
11. Pay tax (if any) via e-Pay Tax — the challan details flow back into the return.
12. Preview and submit.
13. E-verify — choose Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank/demat EVC, or send the signed ITR-V by post within 30 days.

You'll get an email and SMS with the acknowledgement number. Keep the ITR-V PDF.

#Check these before you submit

Warning: If AIS shows income that isn't yours or is wrong (for example a duplicate FD entry), submit feedback on AIS before filing. Don't just ignore it — the department may send a notice later.

#How to choose your tax regime in the ITR

You can choose either regime while filing, even if your employer deducted TDS under the other one (if you have no business income). If the other regime gives lower tax, the extra TDS comes back as a refund. Our new vs old tax regime guide has worked examples to help you choose.

#After filing: refund, processing and notices

1. Processing: the Central Processing Centre usually processes returns within weeks. You'll get an intimation under section 143(1) by email.
2. Refund: credited to your pre-validated bank account. Check status at e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
3. Mismatch notice: if the department computes a different amount, you'll get a "proposed adjustment" — respond online within the time given, agreeing or explaining.
4. Defective return (139(9)): fix the error and refile within 15 days.

#Missed the deadline? Your options

You can't carry forward most losses (like capital losses) if you file late, so file on time if you have losses to set off.

#Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing the wrong form — for example ITR-1 with short-term share gains.
• Not reporting savings and FD interest — it's taxable, and the bank already reported it.
• Claiming deductions in the new regime — the portal won't allow most, and you'll get errors.
• Forgetting to e-verify — your return is invalid until you do.
• Wrong bank account for refunds, or one that isn't pre-validated.
• Ignoring emails from the department — check your registered email after filing.

#Frequently asked questions

Do I need to file ITR if my income is below the taxable limit?

Not always, but filing helps with loans, visas and refunds. You must file if you have foreign assets, high electricity bills or deposits above set limits, or if TDS was deducted and you want it back.

Can I file ITR myself without a CA?

Yes. Most salaried people can file ITR-1 themselves using pre-filled data. Use a CA for complex capital gains, foreign income or business income.

What happens if I don't e-verify?

The return is treated as not filed. E-verify within 30 days of filing.

How long does it take to get a refund?

Often a few weeks after e-verification, once the return is processed. Delays happen if the bank account isn't validated or there's a mismatch.

Can I revise my ITR after filing?

Yes, file a revised return by 31 March 2027 (for AY 2026-27) if you find a mistake. Filing before 31 December 2026 is simplest; check the e-filing portal for any fee that applies after that.

What's the difference between AIS and Form 26AS?

Form 26AS shows TDS and tax paid. AIS shows a wider picture — interest, dividends, share and mutual fund sales, property deals and more.

Which ITR is for freelancers?

ITR-4 if you use presumptive taxation under 44ADA (up to the limits), otherwise ITR-3. See how to start freelancing.

#Sources

• Income Tax Department — e-Filing portal
• Income Tax Department — Which ITR form to file
• ClearTax — ITR-1 for AY 2026-27: who can file, due date
• ClearTax — Changes in new ITR forms
• StudyCafe — ITR due dates for AY 2026-27
• Free Press Journal — CBDT extends audit-case ITR deadline to 21 November
• StudyCafe — Major changes in ITR-1 for AY 2026-27