Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) no longer requires a Chartered Accountant (CA). Thanks to the government’s simplified e-filing portal and automated tools, you can now file your ITR from home, all by yourself — quickly and easily.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your ITR without a CA, what documents you'll need, and key tips to avoid mistakes.

🧾 Step 1: Keep These Documents Ready

✅ PAN Card and Aadhaar Card

✅ Form 16 (For salaried individuals)

✅ Bank account details & statements

✅ Interest certificates (from Post Office/FD/banks)

✅ Investment proofs (for deductions under 80C, 80D, NPS, etc.)

✅ Form 26AS and AIS report (download from incometax.gov.in)

🔐 Step 2: Login to the Income Tax Portal

• Visit: https://www.incometax.gov.in

• Click on ‘Login’

• Use your PAN number as the user ID

• Enter password and captcha

📋 Step 3: Select the Correct ITR Form

Choose your form based on your income type:

ITR Form Suitable For

ITR-1 (Sahaj)	Income from salary or pension (up to ₹50 lakh)
ITR-2	Capital gains, foreign income, rental income
ITR-3	Business or professional income
ITR-4 (Sugam)	Presumptive income scheme (business or profession)

📝 The portal may suggest the appropriate form based on your data.

💻 Step 4: Start e-Filing Your Return

• Go to ‘e-File’ → ‘Income Tax Return’ → ‘File Income Tax Return’

• Select Assessment Year: 2025–26

• Choose Online Mode and the correct ITR Form

• Fill in income details (many fields will be pre-filled)

• Add deductions (under various sections like 80C, 80D, etc.)

• Cross-check TDS, advance tax paid, and refund (if any)

🔍 Step 5: Review and Submit

• Review all the filled details carefully

• Click on ‘Preview Return’ to see the final version

• If correct, submit the return

✅ Step 6: e-Verify Your Return

Your ITR is only valid after e-verification. Use one of the following:

✅ Aadhaar-linked mobile OTP

✅ Net banking login

✅ Bank account-based EVC (Electronic Verification Code)

✅ Send signed ITR-V form to CPC, Bengaluru (if manual verification)

⚠️ Tips to Avoid Errors

• Always select the correct ITR form

• Match income details with Form 26AS and AIS

• Double-check your deductions and investments

• Do not miss the deadline: September 15, 2025

• False claims or mismatch in data may result in notices or penalties

📝 Final Thoughts

Filing ITR yourself is not only convenient and cost-effective, but also secure. With pre-filled forms, auto-validation tools, and an easy interface, the process can be completed in 10–15 minutes if all documents are ready.

Take control of your taxes — no CA required!