ITR Filing 2025: 5 Key Things to Know Before Filing Your Tax Return Online

ITR Filing 2025: The new assessment year 2025-26 has begun, and taxpayers have started filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR).

The deadline for filing returns for the financial year 2024-25 is 31 July 2025, although the government may extend it if needed.

Who needs to file ITR?

ITR filing is mandatory for anyone whose annual income is above the basic exemption limit. Even if your income is below the taxable limit, you can still file a zero ITR.

In some cases, filing ITR is required even if your income is below the exemption threshold—like if:

Your bank deposits exceed ₹1 crore, or

Your savings account balance is over ₹50 lakh

Tax rates under the new regime (FY 2025-26)

Note: The old tax slab rates remain unchanged.

5 important steps before filing your ITR

Filing your ITR is not just about filling a form—it needs careful preparation.

If you’re not careful, your return might get rejected or trigger a notice from the Income Tax Department. Here are five things to do before filing:

1. Collect all relevant documents

Make sure you have all the required documents related to your income and taxes. These include:

Form 16 (if salaried)

Bank passbook/statement

Investment proofs

Details of rental or other income

Form 26AS and AIS report

Capital gains details (from stocks, mutual funds, crypto)

These help not only in accurate filing but also during tax audits.

2. Choose the correct ITR form

Different taxpayers need to use different ITR forms based on income type, source, and financial activities.

ITR-1 – For salaried individuals with one house property

ITR-2 – If you have capital gains

ITR-3/ITR-4 – For those with income from business or profession

This year, there are minor changes in some forms, so verify which form suits you before filing.

3. Verify Form 26AS and AIS

Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement) list your financial transactions.

If you miss reporting any income that appears in these statements, the tax department may seek clarification.

Always cross-check both forms to ensure all the income details are accurate and match your records.

4. Ensure PAN is linked to Aadhaar

Your PAN must be linked with Aadhaar to file ITR. It’s mandatory. If there’s any mismatch—like name or date of birth—fix it before filing. Without linking, your return won’t be processed.

5. Declare all sources of income honestly

Many people think hiding small incomes doesn’t matter, but with digital tracking, it’s risky.

Whether it’s FD interest, mutual funds, or rental income, declare everything—even if it’s not taxable.

Being transparent helps you avoid problems and future notices.

How to file ITR online

1. Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in

2. Register or log in

3. Fill in your personal and financial details

4. Select the correct ITR form

5. Enter all required information

6. Click on “Proceed”

7. Validate your form

8. Submit your return

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