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Guide to File your Income Tax Return

Complete guide on Income Tax Return filing in India covering What, Why, and Who should File ITR along with the documents required, IT Forms, Income Tax Rates and Slabs. Also covered on How to start and complete ITR, and eVerify before getting the Refund.

  Updated per latest Union Budget 2025

Guide to File your Income Tax Return

This document covers

  1. What is Income Tax?
  2. Who should File Income Tax Return (ITR)?
  3. Why should a person file Income Tax?
  4. Documents required for filing Income Tax Return?
  5. Income Tax Return Forms
  6. Income Tax Rates
  7. Verifying the return filed
  8. Checking the status of IT Return filed
  9. Signup with EZTax.in
  10. After Signup with EZTax.in
  11. Tax Rule changes from Apr 01st 2025

1. What is Income Tax?

Income Tax is a tax that governments impose on financial income generated by all the individuals and entities within their jurisdiction. By law, businesses and individuals must file an Income Tax Return every year to determine whether they owe any taxes or are eligible for a tax refund. Income tax is a key source of funds that the government uses to fund its activities and serve the public.

Refer Income Tax Help Center for complete help.


2. Who should File Income Tax Return?


2.1 Old Tax Regime

Every Company, Firm, LLP, BOI, Societies, Trusts, and other persons irrespective of whether having Income or Loss during the previous financial year.

Every Individual whose income exceeding the below said limits before allowing any deductions under Section 80C To 80U (Old Tax Regime)



AgeAnnual income exceeding *
Up to 60 YearsRs. 2,50,000
From 61 Years to 80 Years (Senior Citizens)Rs. 3,00,000
Above 80 years (Super Senior Citizens) *Rs. 5,00,000


2.2 New Tax Regime

NOTE ON BASIC EXEMPTION LIMIT (BEL):
If the individuals or HUF opting for New Tax Regime u/s 11BAC w.e.f FY 2020-21, the basic exemption slab for tax filing is Rs 2.5 lakhs irrespective of age. Basic exemption limit of senior citizens and super senior citizens is 2.5 lakhs if they are opting for New tax Regime
NOTE ON BEL CHANGE IN BUDGET 2023 :
As per Budget 2023, the basic exemption slab for the taxpayers opting New Tax regime is increased to Rs 3 lakhs from 2.5 lakhs
NEW       NOTE ON BEL CHANGE IN BUDGET 2025 :

As per Budget 2025, the basic exemption slab for the taxpayers opting New Tax regime is increased to Rs 4 lakhs from 3 lakhs

From FY 2025-26 onwards

NEW * Applicable to Resident Individuals, HUF (<60 years), Senior Citizens (>=60 years and <80 years ) and Super Senior Citizens (>=80 years)
S.NoIncomeRate of Tax
1Upto Rs 4 lakhsNil
2From Rs 4,00,001 to Rs 8 lakhs5%
3From Rs 8,00,001 to Rs 12 lakhs10%
4From Rs 12,00,001 to Rs 16 lakhs15%
5From Rs 16,00,001 to Rs 20 lakhs20%
6From Rs 20,00,001 to Rs 24 lakhs25%
7Above Rs 24 lakhs30%

* Starting from FY 2021-22 (AY 2022-23), Senior Citizens are exempted from ITR Filing. Refer the Budget 2021 announcement @ Senior Citizens to be exempted from filing ITR

Not sure whether you need to file your income tax ? Find now @
  Who should file IT Return in India ?

3. Why should a person file Income Tax?

Past decades have observed low Income Tax filing compliance in India, during recent years, Govt of India took stringent measures in enforcing the Income Tax Law by linking various benefits for prompt tax filers. Advantages of income tax filing including but not limited to

  1. Get the Loans easier
  2. Avoid paying penalties, embarrassments
  3. Get your refund back on the excess tax payments
  4. Hurdle for Foreign VISA Stamping with IT returns filing
  5. Improve your credit worthiness for future loans
  6. Be a good citizen to contribute in India's growth and get Peace of mind for you and the family.

4. Documents required for filing Income Tax Return?

There are many sources of income one may have during a financial year that should be included in the Income Tax Return. Refer below list of documents that are applicable to file your return.

Mandatory List of Documents / Information

  1. PAN Card. To get new PAN number, refer how to get PAN card in 10 minutes?
  2. Aadhaar Card (To be linked to your PAN Card for e-verifying your income tax return. Refer How to link PAN Card with Aadhaar Card?). Optional for Non-Resident Indians.
  3. Mobile Number and an Email ID
  4. All the Bank Account numbers and their IFSC Codes
  5. Form 26 AS which can be downloaded from ITD Portal. Refer How to View / Download Form 26AS?. This is the most important document starting from 2018-19 onwards.

Optional List of Documents / Information

  1. Form 16 issued by employer for Salaried Employees
  2. Bank Statements for Savings Bank Interest, if not reported in Form 26AS. If you own a business and/or having business income, Bank Statement is important while preparing Taxes.
  3. Interest Income statement on fixed deposits, if not reported in Form 26AS.
  4. TDS Certificates issued by banks and others, if not reported in Form 26AS.
  5. Other documents for claiming deductions such as investments, LIC, Tuition fees, etc.
  6. Other documents related to Capital gains if you have sold property, or stock or any other capital asset. Refer How to download tax P&L statement from different brokers?
You can file your taxes @ eztax.in/self for free* or at an affordable price by yourself. If you choose expert income tax filing, you may send the above documents / photos to support@eztax.in or upload the same on our portal to have our expert team handle your taxes.

5. Income Tax Return Forms

Basically there are 7 different IT forms used to file Income Tax Returns as per their applicability to a person’s source of Income. IT Return Forms are explained in detail.

When you eFile your taxes using EZTax.in Self Service Income Tax Filing , the software automatically choose the correct form applicable for the income selected, thus avoiding the confusion of choosing the correct form.
5.1.ITR-1 (SAHAJ)

For Resident Individuals having total income up to Rs 50 Lakhs through Income from Salaries, one house property, other sources (Interest etc.), Agricultural Income up to Rs 5000 and Long term capital of Rs 1.25 lakhs on shares or mutual funds on which STT is paid (Applicable from AY 2025-26). It is not applicable to the individual who is either director in a company or has invested in Unlisted Equity Shares).

5.2.ITR-2

For Individuals and HUFs not carrying out business or profession under any proprietorship or partnership

(This form can be used by individuals & HUF who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and whose income is not chargeable under head Business or Profession).

5.3.ITR-3

For individuals and HUFs having income from a proprietary business or profession or income from partnership firm.

(This form can be used by individuals & HUF who are carrying out a proprietary business or profession or income from Partnership Firm).

5.4.ITR-4 (SUGAM)

For Presumptive Income from Business & Profession

(This Return Form is to be used by an individual/ HUF/ Partnership Firm whose total income includes Business income is computed under section 44AD & 44AE & income from profession is computed under section 44 ADA).

5.5.ITR-5

This Form can be used by a person being a firm, LLPs, AOP, BOI, artificial juridical person, cooperative society, registered societies and local authority. However, a person who is required to file the return of income under section 139(4A) or 139(4B) or 139(4C) or 139(4D) or 139(4F) shall not use this form.

5.6.ITR-6

This Form can be used by a company, other than a company claiming exemption under section 11 (Income from property held for charitable or religious purposes).

5.7.ITR-7

For persons including companies required to furnish return under sections 139(4A) or 139(4B) or 139(4C) or 139(4D) or 139(4E) or 139(4F).

6. Income Tax Rates

EZTax.in automatically calculates the tax liability of a person including the fines and penalties payable if any. Thus it avoids the burden of an individual to calculate the amount of tax payable and preventing the errors in calculation.
IMPORTANT
Income tax slabs is same for AY 2024-25, AY 2023-24, AY 2022-23, AY 2021-22 and AY 2020-21.

Following are the tax slabs, rates applicable to Individuals, companies, and other persons.


6.1. For Individuals & HUF

Income Tax Slabs Rate: New Tax Regime


Income Tax Slabs Rate: Old Tax Regime
6.1.a. Income Tax Slab for Individuals & HUF taxpayers both men, women and transgender aged up to 60 years


Income Tax SlabFY 2025-26FY 2024-25FY 2023-24FY 2022-23FY 2021-22FY 2020-21
Up to Rs.2,50,000NILNILNILNILNILNIL
Rs.2,50,001 to Rs.5,00,0005%5%5%5%5%5%
Rs.5,00,001 to Rs.10,00,00020%20%20%20%20%20%
Over Rs.10,00,00030%30%30%30%30%30%
Health & Education Cess-4% of total income tax payable + surcharge

6.1.b. Income Tax Slab for Individuals & HUF taxpayers who are Senior Citizens including both men, women and transgender

Income Tax SlabFY 2025-26FY 2024-25FY 2023-24FY 2022-23FY 2021-22FY 2020-21
Up to Rs.3,00,000NILNILNILNILNILNIL
Rs.3,00,001 to Rs.5,00,0005%5%5%5%5%5%
Rs.5,00,001 to Rs.10,00,00020%20%20%20%20%20%
Over Rs.10,00,00030%30%30%30%30%30%
Health & Education Cess-4% of total income tax payable + surcharge

6.1.c. Income Tax Slab for Individuals & HUF taxpayers who are Super Senior Citizens including both men, women and transgender

Income Tax SlabFY 2025-26FY 2024-25FY 2023-24FY 2022-23FY 2021-22FY 2020-21
Up to Rs.5,00,000NILNILNILNILNILNIL
Rs.5,00,001 to Rs.10,00,00020%20%20%20%20%20%
Over Rs.10,00,00030%30%30%30%30%30%
Health & Education Cess-4% of total income tax payable + surcharge

6.1.d. Surcharge

NTR — New Tax Regime, OTR — Old Tax Regime

FY 2025-26FY 2024-25FY 2023-24FY 2022-23FY 2021-22FY 2020-21
Income Tax SlabOTRNTROTRNTROTRNTROTRNTROTRNTROTRNTR
From Rs.50 lakhs to 1 crore10%10%10%10%10%10%10%10%10%10%10%10%
From Rs 1 crore - Rs 2 crores15%15%15%15%15%15%15%15%15%15%15%15%
From Rs 2 crores - 5 crores25%25%25%25%25%25%25%25%25%25%25%25%
Above 5 Crores37%25%37%25%37%25%37%37%37%37%37%37%

If the taxpayer’s income is more than 5 crores and he is opting for New Tax Regime, Surcharge is 25% instead of 37% w.e.f Apr 1st 2023

   NOTE

If the taxpayer’s income is more than 5 crores and he is opting for New Tax Regime, Surcharge is 25% instead of 37% w.e.f Apr 1st 2023


6.2. Partnership Firms and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships)

They are to be taxed at the rate of 30%.

 Plus  

  • Surcharge: If income is greater than Rs.1, 00, 00,000 – 12% of income tax amount. Subject to marginal relief.
  • Health & Education Cess: 4% extra – charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid.

6.3. For Domestic Companies:

  1. If the total turnover or gross receipt of the company in the FY 2019-20 ≤ 400 crores-25% of total income
  2. In any other case-30% of total income

 Plus  

  • Surcharge: If income is greater than Rs.1,00,00,000 – 7% of the income tax amount. If income is greater than Rs.10,00,00,000 – 12% of the income tax amount. Subject to marginal relief.
  • Health & Education Cess: 4% extra – charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid.

* The details given above are in broader sense and may vary from case to case.

6.4. For Foreign Companies:


Nature Rate
If the income received by the Foreign Company is in the form of royalties paid by the Indian Government in relation to agreements made with an Indian concern (after March 31st, 1961, and before April 1st, 1976) 50%
If the income received is in the form of fees for technical services rendered for agreements made with Indian concerns (after February 29th, 1964, and before April 1st, 1976) 50%
Any other income 40%

 Plus  

  • Surcharge: If income is greater than Rs.1,00,00,000 – 2% of the income tax amount. If income is greater than Rs.10,00,00,000 – 5% of the income tax amount. Subject to marginal relief.
  • Health & Education Cess 4% extra – charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid.

6.5. For Co-operative Societies:

Income Tax Slab Rate
Up to Rs.10,000 10%
Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 20%
Over Rs.20,000 30%

 Plus  

  • Surcharge: If income is greater than Rs.1,00,00,000 – 12% of income tax amount. Subject to marginal relief.
  • Health & Education Cess: 4% extra – charged on the amount of income tax + surcharge being paid.

7. Verifying the return filed:


  • After filing the return an acknowledgement will be generated and the assessee needs to verify the return filed either electronically or manually.
  • Verification can be done electronically by using the most common way of OTP generated using Aadhaar or OTP generated through Prevalidation of Bank Account or Net Banking with in 30 days from the e-filing date.
  • Manually a return can be verified by sending a signed copy of acknowledgement generated after filing return to Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru - 560500, Karnataka, India.



8. Checking the status of return filed:


  • After Verification of ITR V assessee needs to check the status of filing of ITR to know whether the ITR is processed and refund has been credited to the bank account.
  • Refer ITR Status to check the status.
Using the features provided by EZTax.in, a taxpayer can easily file their IT Return Online without any errors and confusion.



9. Signup with EZTax.in

  1. Register @ EZTax.in ITR Portal
  2. Then click on Create Account, and enter your eMail id, Password, and Mobile number to create an account.
  3. You will receive an email to activate your account. Click on "Activate Account" button in that email to activate your account.



10. After Signup with EZTax.in

After creating the account you can avail the services mentioned below:

10.1. Self Service Tax Filing

Using Self Service Tax Filing an individual/HUF can E-file the return for current assessment year and the previous assessment year.

  • While filling the form, in case any help needed the assessee can look at the EZHelp fields provided at the right side of the form which explains the assessee the details which are required to be filled. We have more than 450 such EZHelp fields which guides assessee throughout the filling of the form.

  • While filling the return form but before filing it, there is an option called Creative Audit using which an individual/HUF can check whether all the required / mandatory details have been filled up and it compares the Personal information entered by the client with that of the standard details available in documents such as Form 16, Form 26AS.

  • There is another option called Tax optimizer which suggests the assessee where can he invest for reducing the tax liabilities.

10.2. Expert Assisted Service

Using the Expert Assisted Tax Filing Service an Individual, HUF, Firm, LLP, AOP, BOI, Trust, society, & Company can file the returns.


10.3. Expert Consultation

Using the Expert Consultation Service any assessee can reserve an expert time to describe their case and get an advice, direction quickly.



11. Tax Rule changes from Apr 01st 2025

Starting from 1st April 2025 (FY 2025-26), new tax rules related to Income tax, GST, and company compliance are in effect. Tax rule changes from crypto tax, applicability of e-Invoicing, taxability of EPF withdrawal, Updated IT Returns, to Sr. Citizens IT Filing.

Refer more @ New Tax Rules effective from 1st April 2025

How to get help from EZTax.in




Disclaimer: This article provides an overview and general guidance, not exhaustive for brevity. Please refer Income Tax Act, GST Act, Companies Act and other tax compliance acts, Rules, and Notifications for details.