Filing income tax used to be seen as difficult, and most people believed that it could be done only with the help of a CA. But with today’s digital tools, easy forms, guided platforms, and step-by-step filing systems, you can now file your tax return yourself. You do not need expert help for basic cases. If your income, salary slips, TDS, and bank details are correct, you can easily file income tax online.
This guide is written for beginners, so even someone filing for the first time can follow it. Keep your documents ready, take your time, and follow the process carefully
Why Filing Tax Online Is Easy Today
The process of filing income tax online was earlier very difficult as it involved extensive paperwork, physical forms, and long waits at government offices. E-filing today, however, can be described as
- Fast
- No charge for most taxpayers
- Open around the clock
- Conducted with online assistance
The official income tax e-filing website is not only for salaried individuals but also for freelancers, small business owners, and even the elderly who decide to file their taxes on their own.
In addition, platforms like Olyv assist users in securely managing their financial paperwork, also making the filing process easier by enabling users to gather essential financial documents like loan accounts and old reports.
What You Should Have Before Starting
Before commencing the income tax filing online process, you should have the following items ready,
Compulsory documents
- PAN
- Aadhaar (linked with PAN)
- Details of the bank account
- Salary slips
- Extra documents depending on your income type
- Form 16 (if salaried)
- Form 26AS
- AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Bank’s interest certificate
- Proofs for investment (if any)
DigiLocker and financial platforms like Olyv also offer the option to get your latest reports electronically.
Step-by-Step Guide to File Income Tax Online Without a CA
Here is a simple breakdown of the exact process that you can follow,
Step 1 – Visit the official website
Head over to www.incometax.gov.in
Then click on login, and enter your PAN, password, and OTP.
Step 2 – Check AIS and Form 26AS
These tell you,
- TDS deducted by the employer or banks
- Interest gained
- Salary given
- Income from other sources
If details match, go ahead. If not, get in touch with the deductor and ask for a correction.
Step 3 – Pick “File Income Tax Return”
Choose,
- Individual
- Assessment year
- Filing type, Original or Revised
The guided option will help you manually answer the questions.
Step 4 – Select the correct ITR form
| Profile | ITR Form |
| Salaried individuals | ITR-1 |
| Freelancers and consultants | ITR-4 |
| More than one house property | ITR-2 |
| Capital gain transactions | ITR-2 |
Most salaried employees only need ITR-1.
Step 5 – Enter your salary and deductions
In the case of salaried persons, the particulars auto-fill from Form 16.
You simply check,
- Total salary income
- Professional tax (if it applies to you)
- TDS deducted
Also, enter deductions like,
- Section 80C – LIC, PPF, EPF, ELSS
- Section 80D – Medical insurance
- Section 80G – Donations
- Home loan interest (if it applies to you)
Step 6 – Verify data
The site does an automatic check for
- Fields not filled
- Bank account details that are incomplete
- Amounts of deduction that are not correct
- Correct the mistakes, then move on.
Step 7 – Preview and submit
When you do your income tax online, this is the most crucial stage.
Check,
- Tax calculation
- Refund
- Net tax payable
Then click on submit.
Step 8 – E-verify your return
Your return will not be valid unless it goes through the verification process.
You can choose from the following verification methods,
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- EVC from your bank account
- DSC
Aadhaar OTP is the most convenient method.
How To Avoid Mistakes While Filing Income Tax Online
The following mistakes are often committed by beginners,
- Wrong PAN or bank details entered
- Interest income was forgotten to be added
- Deductions not claimed
- Wrong ITR category filed
- Return not verified
When You Need a CA and When You Don’t
| Situation | Can you file yourself? | Do you need a CA? |
| Only salary income | Yes | No |
| Salary + interest income | Yes | No |
| Business income with complex books | Maybe | Yes |
| Capital gains from the property sale | Maybe | Yes |
| Complex deductions | Maybe | Yes |
For most individuals, filing income tax by oneself is easier.
Best Tips to File Income Tax Online Faster
- Use the pre-filled data option
- Keep the downloaded bank statements
- Reconcile TDS with AIS
- Never claim any deduction without having proof
- Keep a soft copy of the acknowledgement
One of the most intelligent steps that a majority of people undertake is keeping all the important documents safely in the paperless vaults like Olyv.
The Reason Why Filing Taxes Online Yourself Saves Money
When you submit your income tax return online, you will not pay the CA’s professional fees for basic filing. The charges are mostly between ₹700 and ₹4,000 in case of simple tax returns.
Alternatively, use free public online calculators and record-keeping platforms.
The Ultimate Checklist Before Filing
- Correct PAN and Aadhaar
- Valid bank account for the refund chosen
- Form 26AS and AIS reviewed
- Salary breakup verified
- Deductions entered correctly
- Declaration submitted
- Return e-verified
Conclusion
Filing ITR online is now very simple. Most individuals who earn a fixed salary, claim standard deductions, and receive TDS regularly do not require a CA. The guided online steps clearly ask questions and prepare your form automatically. When you file income tax online, you understand your tax calculation, learn about deductions, and stay financially responsible. With basic preparation, the right documents, and careful review, you can complete your filing confidently within minutes.
