- Visit the E-Filing Website: Go to the official Income Tax e-filing website at [www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in](https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in).
- Click on ‘Register Yourself’: On the home page, look for the ‘Register Yourself’ button and click on it.
- Select User Type: Choose your user type (e.g., Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Other than Individual/HUF, etc.). For most people, it will be ‘Individual.’
- Enter Basic Details: Fill in your basic details such as PAN (Permanent Account Number), name, and date of birth. Click on ‘Continue.’
- Provide Contact Details: Enter your residential status, and contact details (address, email, mobile number). Ensure your mobile number and email ID are active as you will receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords) on them for verification.
- Set Password: Create a secure password and a personalized message. This will be used for logging in to your account.
- Verify Details: An OTP will be sent to your mobile number and email ID. Enter the OTPs to verify your details.
- Registration Successful: After successful verification, you will receive a confirmation message and your account will be created.
- Go to the E-Filing Website: Visit [www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in](https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in).
- Log in: Click on the ‘Login Here’ button. Enter your User ID (your PAN), password, and the Captcha code. Click on ‘Login.’
- Navigate to Form 26AS: After logging in, go to ‘My Account’ and click on ‘View Form 26AS (Tax Credit).’
- Confirm and Continue: Click on ‘Confirm’ to proceed to the Traces website.
- View Form 26AS: Choose the Assessment Year and download the Form 26AS. This form will help you cross-check the taxes deducted and deposited with the Income Tax Department.
- Select the Right ITR Form: Depending on your income source, choose the correct ITR form. For example, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for individuals having income from salaries, one house property, other sources (interest, etc.), and having total income up to ₹50 lakh.
- Download the Form: Go to the ‘Downloads’ section and select the appropriate ITR form. Download it in Excel or Java utility.
- Open the ITR Utility: Open the downloaded ITR form (Excel or Java utility).
- Enter Details: Fill in the details such as personal information, income details, deductions, and tax payments. Cross-check the details with your Form 16, Form 16A, Form 26AS, and other relevant documents.
- Validate: After filling in the details, click on the ‘Validate’ button on each sheet to ensure all mandatory fields are filled.
4. Generate XML File: Once validated, click on ‘Generate XML’ to create an XML file of your return.
- Log in to the E-Filing Portal: Go to [www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in](https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) and log in.
- Upload XML: Navigate to ‘E-File’ and select ‘Income Tax Return.’ Choose the Assessment Year, upload the generated XML file, and select the submission mode (with or without digital signature).
- E-Verify Return: After submission, verify your return using options such as Aadhaar OTP, EVC (Electronic Verification Code) through bank account, Demat account, or net banking.
- ITR-V Acknowledgement: If you do not e-verify your return, you will need to send the signed ITR-V (Acknowledgement) to the CPC (Centralized Processing Centre), Bangalore within 120 days of filing the return.
- Check Status: You can check the status of your ITR on the e-filing portal.
Following these steps will help you successfully register and file your Income Tax Return for the first time. Make sure to keep all your documents handy and cross-check the details to avoid any errors.
Read more about OLD TAX and NEW TAX REGIMEs