Unlock Tax Zen: File Your Return Online, Save Money, and Outsmart Deadlines

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With the tax season underway, salaried taxpayers can breathe easy—filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 202425 is now simpler, faster, and fully digital. Thanks to recent government updates, you can complete your ITR in just 15 minutes, without needing a Chartered Accountant. Here’s everything you need to know, including the latest announcements and a stepbystep guide.

Key Highlights

Deadline Extended: The last date to file nonaudit ITRs (like ITR1 and ITR4) is now September 15, 2025, instead of July 31, 2025, due to new form changes and utility updates. However, selfassessment tax must still be paid by July 31 to avoid interest.
Offline Filing Utility: The Income Tax Department has launched an Excelbased offline utility for ITR1 and ITR4, enabling preparation and validation without internet access.
Prefilled Forms: The efiling portal now autofills much of your data (salary, TDS, interest income), reducing errors and manual entry.
Tax Regime Default: The new tax regime is now the default. If you prefer the old regime (with deductions), you must opt for it while filing.
Capital Gains Update: Salaried individuals with longterm capital gains up to ₹1.25 lakh can now use ITR1, making reporting easier.
Dispute Mechanism: If your Annual Information Statement (AIS) has errors, you can now dispute them directly on the portal.

StepbyStep Guide: File Your ITR Without a CA

1) Collect Documents: Keep your PAN, Aadhaar (linked), Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, bank details, and investment proofs ready.

2) Login: Visit the efiling portal (incometax.gov.in) and log in with your PAN.

3) Select Filing Option: Go to “eFile > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return.”

4) Choose Assessment Year: Select AY 202526 and the appropriate ITR form (usually ITR1 for salaried income up to ₹50 lakh).

5) Check Prefilled Data: Review and edit prefilled details. Add any missing income or deductions.

6) Calculate Tax: The portal autocalculates your tax. Pay any balance tax online if required.

7) Validate & Submit: Validate the form, accept the declaration, and submit your return.

8) EVerify: Complete everification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other methods. This step is mandatory—returns not everified within 30 days are treated as not filed.

Pro Tips:

Doublecheck all entries, especially if you changed jobs or have multiple income sources.
Compare both tax regimes before final submission to optimize your tax outgo.
Use the feedback mechanism if you spot discrepancies in your AIS or Form 26AS.

Filing your ITR is now a DIY task—no CA needed for most salaried taxpayers. Just follow the steps, stay updated, and file before the new deadline for a hasslefree tax season!

Source: India Today, Financial Express, Outlook Money, PIB, Times Now, Republic World