Filing your own Income Tax Return (ITR) without a Chartered Accountant might sound risky at first, but for most salaried individuals, freelancers, and small business owners with straightforward finances, it’s completely doable.
The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal is designed to guide you through each step. You just need to understand a few basics and keep your documents ready.
Let’s first clear up when you don’t need a CA. If your income comes only from salary, bank interest, or even rent, and you don’t have complex capital gains or foreign assets, you’re good to go on your own.
Freelancers and small entrepreneurs under the presumptive taxation scheme (Section 44ADA/44AD) can also file independently.
Before starting the filing process, here’s what you need to keep handy:
| Document / Info | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| PAN & Aadhaar | Identity & mandatory linking for e-verification |
| Form 16 | Details of your salary, deductions & TDS |
| Form 26AS and AIS | Summary of income and TDS already reported to the IT Dept |
| Investment proofs (LIC, ELSS, etc) | Claiming deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc. |
| Bank details | For refund credit |
Form 16 is especially important for salaried people—it shows your salary breakdown and tax deducted by your employer. If you’re confused about reading it, check out our blog on What is Form 16 and How to Use It to File ITR to understand how it fits into your return.
Once you’re ready with the documents, go to the Income Tax Portal and log in using your PAN.
Then select “File Income Tax Return.” Choose the correct assessment year (e.g., for income earned in FY 2024–25, choose AY 2025–26).
Now you’ll be asked to select the ITR form. Here’s a quick overview:
| ITR Form | Who Should Use It |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 | Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh |
| ITR-2 | Individuals with capital gains or more than one house |
| ITR-3 | Business/professional income (non-presumptive) |
| ITR-4 | Freelancers or small businesses under Section 44AD/44ADA |
After you choose your form, most of the fields will be pre-filled using your PAN and linked details like Form 26AS. Review everything carefully. Make sure your salary matches Form 16 and that your interest income from savings, FDs, etc., is added under “Other Income.”
Don’t forget to claim your deductions. These are listed under Chapter VI-A (Sections 80C to 80U). If you’ve invested in PPF, ELSS, paid life insurance premiums, or medical insurance, enter those values.
This is your legal way to reduce tax—if you want to learn more about these options, read our blog on How to Save Tax Legally – Deductions Every Indian Should Know.
Once everything is filled, the portal lets you preview the return. If all looks good, go ahead and submit.
The final step is e-verification. This is required to complete the filing. You can do it instantly via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or even a digital signature.
Many people assume GST and ITR are linked, but they aren’t always. If you’re a freelancer or small business wondering whether you need GST too, our blog GST for Small Business Owners – Do You Need It? breaks it down in simple terms.
Once you’ve submitted your Income Tax Return and completed the e-verification, the Income Tax Department will begin processing your return. You’ll receive an email and SMS acknowledging successful filing.
Within a few weeks to months, the IT Department will issue an intimation under Section 143(1)—this is not a notice, just a summary comparing your filed data with their records.
If there’s any refund due, it will be credited directly to your bank account. Make sure your bank account is pre-validated on the income tax portal.
If there’s a mismatch or error in your return, the portal will show the status as “Defective” or “Needs Action.” These can be corrected by filing a revised return under Section 139(5) before December 31 of the assessment year.
It’s also possible you get a notice under Section 139(9) if your return is defective, or under Section 143(2) for scrutiny. Don’t panic. Just respond promptly.
If you’re unsure how to handle such notices, read our simple guide on How to Respond to an Income Tax Notice.
Avoiding mistakes is crucial. A few common errors to watch out for:
| Mistake | What Can Go Wrong |
|---|---|
| Using the wrong ITR form | Return may be treated as defective |
| Not reporting interest income | May lead to mismatch with AIS and 26AS |
| Forgetting to e-verify | Return is considered invalid unless verified within 30 days |
| Skipping deductions or under-reporting income | May lead to a tax demand or a notice later |
| Using incorrect bank account details | Refund gets delayed or fails |
Missed the deadline (usually 31st July)? You can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) before December 31, but with a late fee under Section 234F, up to ₹5,000.
Filing on your own helps you understand your money better and saves you CA fees each year. With a little patience and attention, you can be tax-smart and confident.
FAQs
1. Is it legal to file my ITR without a CA?
Yes, it’s completely legal and allowed through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
2. Can I revise my ITR if I made a mistake?
Yes, you can file a revised return under Section 139(5) before Dec 31.
3. What happens if I don’t verify my ITR?
It will be treated as not filed unless verified within 30 days. You can verify using Aadhaar OTP or net banking.
4. How do I know if my return is processed?
You’ll get an intimation under Section 143(1) via email/SMS.
5. Can I get a refund if I file late?
Yes, but only if you file before Dec 31. Filing late may delay your refund.
