Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) may seem daunting, but with the right guidance, residents of Guwahati and Assam can complete this important task quickly and securely online. Staying compliant with the Income Tax Department’s requirements helps you avoid penalties and ensures you can claim eligible tax benefits. This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire online ITR filing process for Assessment Year 2025-26.
Why File Your Income Tax Return Online?
Online ITR filing saves time, reduces paperwork, and allows you to track your return status easily. The Indian government’s official Income Tax e-filing portal provides a secure, user-friendly interface catering to taxpayers across Assam, including Guwahati.
Essential Documents to Keep Ready
Before you start, gather the following:
- PAN card and Aadhaar card (linked to your PAN)
- Salary slips and Form 16 from your employer (if applicable)
- Bank statements and interest certificates
- Form 26AS showing your tax credits
- Investment proofs for deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc.
- Rent receipts or home loan documents (if applicable)
- Details of other income like capital gains, freelance work, or rental income
Having these documents handy will ensure a smooth filing experience.
Step 1: Access the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Visit the official portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ and log in using your PAN as the user ID and your password.
Step 2: Begin Filing Your Return
- Navigate to the “e-File” menu and select “File Income Tax Return.”
- Choose the Assessment Year as 2025-26.
- Select the “Online” mode for filing.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate ITR Form
Choose the correct ITR form based on your income sources:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh and income from one house property.
- ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4: For individuals with income from business, capital gains, multiple house properties, or other sources.
If unsure which form to select, refer to the guidelines on the portal or consult a tax professional.
Step 4: Fill in Your Income Details and Deductions
The portal pre-fills some information. Verify all details and add any missing income sources or deductions:
- Salary, business, capital gains, and other income
- Eligible deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, etc.
- Tax paid details and advance tax credits
Double-check all inputs for accuracy.
Step 5: Calculate and Pay Additional Tax (If Applicable)
If your tax liability exceeds the tax already paid or deducted, pay the remaining amount using the portal’s online payment options before submitting your return.
Step 6: Submit and e-Verify Your ITR
Submit your return online, then complete e-verification to validate it:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking login
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via bank account or Demat account
- Alternatively, send a signed physical ITR-V form to CPC Bengaluru within 120 days
Step 7: Save the Acknowledgement
After successful submission and verification, download and save the ITR-V acknowledgement document. It serves as proof of filing and may be needed for future reference.
Important Dates and Tips for Taxpayers in Assam
- ITR filing deadline: September 15, 2025, for most individual taxpayers.
- File early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Keep all related documents safely for at least six years.
- Monitor the status of your return on the e-filing portal.
Filing your income tax return accurately and on time reflects responsible citizenship and financial discipline. Residents of Guwahati and Assam can now complete this process conveniently from home by following this straightforward online filing guide.
For more detailed assistance or complex tax scenarios, consulting a professional tax advisor is recommended.
If this guide helped, share it with your friends and family in Guwahati to spread awareness about hassle-free tax filing!