ITR Filing Step-by-Step Guide explained: this guide covers what ITR Filing Step-by-Step Guide means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Before You File: Preparation Checklist
- Download AIS from incometax.gov.in — check all income, TDS, capital gains entries
- Download Form 26AS — verify TDS credits match your documents
- Collect Form 16 from employer (salary TDS certificate — due by 15 June)
- Get Capital Gains Statement from CAMS/KFintech/broker (for mutual fund/equity transactions)
- Collect bank FD interest certificates from all banks
- Note down all advance tax payments with BSR code and date
- Reconcile AIS with all documents — address any mismatches before filing
2. Select the Correct ITR Form
| Your Situation | ITR Form |
|---|---|
| Salary only, no capital gains, income below Rs 50L | ITR-1 |
| Salary + capital gains (any amount) | ITR-2 |
| Business/professional income | ITR-3 |
| Presumptive business (44AD/44ADA/44AE) | ITR-4 |
| Firm/LLP/AOP/BOI | ITR-5 |
| Company | ITR-6 |
| Trust/NGO/political party | ITR-7 |
3. File Online at incometax.gov.in
- Login with PAN and password (or Aadhaar OTP)
- Go to e-File → File Income Tax Return → Select AY 2027-28
- Choose ITR form and filing mode (online/offline)
- Portal pre-fills salary, TDS, and some other details from AIS — verify each section
- Enter remaining income: capital gains, interest, house property, business income
- Select tax regime (new/old) — portal computes tax under both for comparison
- Pay self-assessment tax if any (before submission)
- Submit and e-Verify immediately via Aadhaar OTP/EVC/net banking
4. E-Verification: Mandatory
An ITR is not processed until it is e-verified. E-verification options:
- Aadhaar OTP (easiest — instant)
- Net banking EVC
- Demat account EVC
- Bank EVC
- ITR-V (physical — send signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days — not recommended)
If not e-verified within 30 days of filing, the return is treated as not filed.
5. Due Dates for Tax Year 2026-27
| Category | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Individuals, HUF, firms (non-audit) | 31 July 2027 |
| Tax audit cases | 31 October 2027 |
| Transfer pricing cases | 30 November 2027 |
| Belated return | 31 December 2027 |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | 31 March 2030 |
6. After Filing: What Happens
CPC processes the ITR automatically and issues an intimation under Section 257A (143(1) equivalent) within 30-90 days. If tax matches: nil demand intimation. If mismatch: demand intimation — respond within 30 days. Refund credited directly to pre-validated bank account. Track refund status on NSDL TIN portal using PAN and assessment year.
7. Why TaxClue
Correct AIS reconciliation, form selection, and schedule population prevent notices. TaxClue handles end-to-end ITR filing for all categories. Contact us for Tax Year 2026-27 ITR filing.