Filed Your ITR? Step-by-step guide to download your Income Tax Return online

With the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) closing in on 15 September 2025, taxpayers are being reminded not just to file on time but also to secure copies of their returns online.

Who Needs to File and Key Deadlines

All Indian residents earning income from salary, business profits, capital gains, property sales, dividends, or interest must file ITR.

♦ Final date to file without penalty: 15 September 2025

♦ Last date to file with penalty: 31 December 2025 (penalties ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on income and delay).

Financial journalist Jocelyn Fernandes notes that, although e-filing is simpler than ever, first-time taxpayers must follow the correct process to ensure their returns remain valid.

How to File ITR Online (Step-by-step)

1. Visit the official Income Tax Department website.

2. Log in with PAN/Aadhaar and password, or register if new.

3. Navigate to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.

4. Choose AY 2025-26, select Individual / HUF / Others, and proceed.

5. Review pre-filled details, correct if necessary, and compute tax liability.

6. Pay any outstanding tax, then Preview and Validate Return.

7. On successful filing, download the ITR-V acknowledgement for verification.

How to Download Your Filed ITR

1. Go to My Account > View Returns / Forms.

2. Enter PAN, choose Income Tax Returns, and click Submit.

3. Select the relevant year and download ITR or ITR-V acknowledgement (PDF format).

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

♦ Ensure PAN and Aadhaar are linked.

♦ Validate your bank account for refunds.

♦ Use the correct ITR form (ITR-1 to ITR-5).

♦ File before due date and e-verify within 30 days.

♦ Respond promptly to any tax department notices.

Experts warn that failing to e-verify makes your ITR invalid, exposing you to penalties and possible scrutiny.