Income-tax returns: Here’s how to file ITR online without a CA? A step-by-step guide for FY26
The income-tax department notified all I-T return forms and enabled excel utility for ITR-1 (Sahaj), ITR-2, ITR-3, and ITR-4 (Sugam), ITR-5 and ITR-7 online forms for financial year 2025-26 i.e. assessment year 2026-27 (FY26 / AY27). Taxpayers can use the e-filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in/) and must register (you will need Aadhaar, PAN and other details) or log into the website with your User ID and password to do so.
Notably, the availability of excel utility means that you can prepare your returns offline before filing in the details and uploading the file digitally. You can access them here — https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/downloads/income-tax-returns
While the overall e-filing process has become quicker, the process can be daunting for first-time filers. Salaried individuals overwhelmed by the process can use this guide to file your ITR online yourself, without a CA or tax professional.
Checklist of required documents
When preparing to file your returns, keep these documents on hand:
- On the ‘e-Verify’ page, select the option through which you want to e-Verify the return and click ‘Continue’.
- Once you e-Verify your return, a success message is displayed along with the Transaction ID and Acknowledgement Number. You will also receive a confirmation message on your mobile number and email ID registered on the e-Filing portal.
What is the deadline of filing returns?
The deadline for filing your ITR without incurring penalties for delayed returns this year is 31 August 2026. With the date approaching steadily, coupled with concerns over last-minute rush and possibility of technical or calculation glitches, now is the ideal time to file your returns comfortably. You can still file a delayed ITR till 31 December 2026, but this would cost you extra based on your taxable amount.
The I-T department has clarified that you can complete the requirement on the e-filing portal using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or electronic verification code (EVC) generated using a pre-validated bank account or pre-validated demat account, to ensure a secure and hassle-free process.
Which ITR form should I choose?
If you do not know which return form to choose, click “Help me decide” under which ITR form to file and the portal will display the eligibility conditions for different ITR forms based on your taxpayer status. Read these conditions carefully, select the form that matches your eligibility, and click “Proceed to ITR filing.”
