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ITR Filing 2025: File Your Income Tax Return Without a CA – Step-by-Step Guide

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Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) no longer requires a Chartered Accountant (CA). Thanks to the government’s simplified e-filing portal and automated tools, you can now file your ITR from home, all by yourself — quickly and easily.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your ITR without a CA, what documents you'll need, and key tips to avoid mistakes.

🧾 Step 1: Keep These Documents Ready

  1. PAN Card and Aadhaar Card

  2. Form 16 (For salaried individuals)

  3. Bank account details & statements

  4. Interest certificates (from Post Office/FD/banks)

  5. Investment proofs (for deductions under 80C, 80D, NPS, etc.)

  6. Form 26AS and AIS report (download from incometax.gov.in)

🔐 Step 2: Login to the Income Tax Portal

📋 Step 3: Select the Correct ITR Form

Choose your form based on your income type:

ITR Form Suitable For
ITR-1 (Sahaj) Income from salary or pension (up to ₹50 lakh)
ITR-2 Capital gains, foreign income, rental income
ITR-3 Business or professional income
ITR-4 (Sugam) Presumptive income scheme (business or profession)

📝 The portal may suggest the appropriate form based on your data.

💻 Step 4: Start e-Filing Your Return

  • Go to ‘e-File’ → ‘Income Tax Return’ → ‘File Income Tax Return’

  • Select Assessment Year: 2025–26

  • Choose Online Mode and the correct ITR Form

  • Fill in income details (many fields will be pre-filled)

  • Add deductions (under various sections like 80C, 80D, etc.)

  • Cross-check TDS, advance tax paid, and refund (if any)

🔍 Step 5: Review and Submit

  • Review all the filled details carefully

  • Click on ‘Preview Return’ to see the final version

  • If correct, submit the return

✅ Step 6: e-Verify Your Return

Your ITR is only valid after e-verification. Use one of the following:

  1. Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP

  2. Net banking login

  3. Bank account-based EVC (Electronic Verification Code)

  4. Send signed ITR-V form to CPC, Bengaluru (if manual verification)

⚠️ Tips to Avoid Errors

  • Always select the correct ITR form

  • Match income details with Form 26AS and AIS

  • Double-check your deductions and investments

  • Do not miss the deadline: September 15, 2025

  • False claims or mismatch in data may result in notices or penalties

📝 Final Thoughts

Filing ITR yourself is not only convenient and cost-effective, but also secure. With pre-filled forms, auto-validation tools, and an easy interface, the process can be completed in 10–15 minutes if all documents are ready.

Take control of your taxes — no CA required!