# How to File ITR Online: Step-by-Step

> A step-by-step guide to filing your income tax return online in India, from gathering documents to e-verification.
- **Published**: 2026-08-16
- **Modified**: 2026-08-16
- **Category**: tax-planning
- **URL**: https://www.tldr.money/articles/tax-planning/how-to-file-itr-online

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Start with the full [tax planning in India](/tax-planning) guide. Filing is the last step, so make sure your [deductions](/articles/tax-planning/income-tax-deductions-guide) and regime choice are settled first. Screens and options change year to year, so follow the current prompts on the official portal.

## Step 1: Gather your documents

- Form 16 from your employer (for salaried filers).
- Interest certificates from banks and any capital-gains statements.
- Proof for your [deductions](/articles/tax-planning/income-tax-deductions-guide): 80C, 80D, HRA, home-loan interest, and others.
- Your AIS (Annual Information Statement) and Form 26AS to reconcile reported income and TDS.

## Step 2: Choose your regime and form

Compare old versus new regime in the [income tax calculator](/tools/income-tax-calculator), then pick the correct form using [which ITR form to file](/articles/tax-planning/which-itr-form-to-file). Filing on the wrong form can make the return defective.

## Step 3: Log in and start the return

1. Log in to the official income tax e-filing portal.
2. Start a new return for the correct assessment year.
3. Select your filing status and the ITR form that matches your income.

## Step 4: Fill and reconcile

1. Much of your data may be pre-filled; check every figure against your own records.
2. Reconcile income and TDS with your AIS and Form 26AS. Fix mismatches before submitting.
3. Enter your deductions and confirm the regime you chose.

## Step 5: Review, pay, and submit

1. Review the computed tax. If there is tax payable, pay it and record the challan details.
2. Submit the return.

## Step 6: E-verify (do not skip this)

A return is not complete until it is verified. E-verify promptly, using the options the portal offers. An unverified return is treated as not filed and can attract the same consequences as [missing the deadline](/articles/tax-planning/tax-filing-deadlines-fy2026-27).

## After filing

Keep a copy of the filed return, the acknowledgement, and your proofs. Track your refund status on the portal. To plan next year better, connect your insurance and investments to your filing through [health insurance](/health-insurance) (80D) and [term life insurance](/term-life-insurance) (80C-linked) so deductions are ready well before the deadline.
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