Income Tax Returns (ITR) 2023: How to file, e-verify, check ITR status, last date, and more

Income tax return filing can be complex but with online submission here's how anyone can file returns.

• By team91 -
Published On: July 21, 2023

With the last date of filing Income Tax Return (ITR) approaching, you might want to file returns as soon as possible to avoid the last-hour rush. The purpose of this is to get back the amount that has been accrued by paying more income tax than you should have. So in case you are yet to file ITR, in this article we'll be guiding you on how to file ITRs online and offline, e-verify ITR, and check the status of your returns along with answering some doubts that you may have.

How to file ITR online

With the help of a government portal, you can easily file your ITR online. The portal also allows individuals to get quick refunds and submit redressals, if any. Here's how to use the portal and file ITRs:

• Go to the official e-Filing website here
• Register on the portal using PAN number and create a password, if you haven't
  
• Login to the portal
• Now click on File ITR from the main screen
  
• Select the assessment year for filing ITR i.e. 2023-24
  
• Now select Online mode for filing ITR copy and hit Continue
• On the next screen, select Start New Filing
  
• Click on file ITR as an Individual and press Continue
  
• Select ITR 1 or ITR 4 and click on Proceed
  
• Go through the information and select Let's Get Started
  
• Give reason for filing ITR, select the options given in the menu
• Fill in bank account details to which you want the IT refund to be transferred
• File the ITR copy with the help of pre-filled details like bank interest rate, capital gains, and more
• Verify ITR copy by couriering to Centralised Processing Center, IT Dept, Bengaluru and submit on the website
• You can also e-verify by using EVC generated through a bank ATM or using Aadhaar OTP. There is an option for static passwords as well that enhances the ease of operating when taxpayers are in low mobile network range while need to complete income tax transactions which normally require OTPs

How to e-Verify ITR

After an ITR is filed, you also need to e-verify it to complete the return filing process. If not done, "an ITR is treated as invalid". Here's how to e-verify ITR:

• Go the to Income Tax e-filing website
• Click on the e-Verify Return option under Quick Links
  
• Enter PAN, assessment year, acknowledgement number, and mobile number to proceed
  
• Choose Continue and enter OTP sent on your registered mobile number
• On successful submission, your ITR will be verified.

How to check ITR status

ITR's e-Filing portal also allows you to check the status of Income Tax returns. Here are the steps to do so.

• Go to www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
• Choose Income Tax Return (ITR) status under Quick Links. Alternatively, you can click here
  
• Enter the Acknowledgement Number, followed by Mobile Number
  
• After this, select Continue to check the ITR status

How to file ITR offline

Here's an easy step-by-step guide for offline Income tax filing:

• Visit Income Tax e-Filing portal www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
• From the top menu bar select 'Downloads'
  
• Select your assessment year, and from the 'Common Offline Utility' drop-down menu, choose 'Utility'
  
• A zip file with a size roughly around 100MB will download on your computer or mobile phone
• Extract the zip file and open the Utility from the extracted folder
• Enter all the relevant and mandatory information in the ITR form
• Validate all the information and Calculate the tax
• Click on Generate XML option and save the file on your system
• Login to the e-Filing portal using your ID (PAN), password, and captcha code
• Choose e-File and select Income Tax Return. This will be followed by Assessment Year, ITR Form Name, and Submission Mode.
• Upload the XML file from the following screen
• Choose any one of the following options to verify the Income Tax Return: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), Aadhaar OTP, EVC using Prevalidated Bank Account Details, EVC using Prevalidated Demat Account Details, Already generated EVC through My Account (Generate EVC Option or Bank ATM. Validity of such EVC is 72 hours from the time of generation.), I would like to e-Verify later. Please remind me, or I don't want to e-verify this Income Tax Return and would like to send signed ITR-V through normal or speed post to "Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500"
• After this, submit the ITR
• Your returns will get submitted and you'll receive a confirmation email
  

What are other ways to file ITR

In addition to the Income Tax official website and the offline method, ITR can be filed through other methods as well such as:

• ClearTax
• MyITReturn
• H&R Block
• TaxSmile

These platforms assist you in filing Income Tax returns, with a user-friendly interface, auto-importing of information, instant support, and more. And in case, you are stuck somewhere there is professional help available round the clock at a nominal fee.

What is the last date for filing ITR

The deadline to file Income Tax Return (ITR) for the assessment year 2023-24 is Monday, July 31st. The government is not keen on extending the date. Therefore, it's advised that taxpayers should file their ITRs before the due date to avoid paying penalties and other legal consequences.

It is mandatory for every Indian citizen to do an e-Filing of income tax. Only people above the age of 80 are exempted from filing using this process. They are allowed to file income tax returns physically, on paper.

ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, and ITR 4 explained

For individual taxpayers, there are as many as four ITR forms, namely ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, and ITR 4. Each form covers different categories the taxpayer falls under, and the income the taxpayer makes. Here's everything you need to know about ITR 1, ITR 2, ITR 3, and ITR 4:

ITR 1

This first type of ITR form is for resident individuals having income less than 50 lakhs from salary/ pension, house property, and other sources such as agriculture.

ITR 2

This ITR form covers HUFs and individuals, with income exceeding Rs 50 lakhs, capital gains, more than one house property, foreign income/ asset, and directorship or unlisted shares in a company. ITR 2 can also be used for "income from other sources", dividend income, and money borrowed to make investments.

ITR 3

The ITR 3 form can be used by an individual or a HUF engaged in any business or profession and has a presumptive income of more than 50 lakhs. It also covers every income from ITR 2 and "capital gains".

ITR 4

The ITR 4 is for firms, HUFs, and individuals, which wish to offer their income on a presumptive basis. The form cannot be used by a non-resident even if his/ her income is below Rs 50 lakhs or has income taxable on a presumptive basis. It is also not applicable to individuals who are directors in any company or own shares in any unlisted companies.

FAQs

How to check which ITR form to fill?

You will have all the details about ITR filing in the documents with you. The information related to particular ITR forms 1 or 4 decides which form you need to fill and submit.

How to login to the ITR portal?

You need to have a permanent account number (PAN) as the user ID and either use the existing password or create a new one on the portal to log in to your account. You can also log in to the portal to file ITR using your Aadhaar card and TAN.

Who should file Income Tax return?

• Individuals whose income is more than the basic exemption limit as specified below:

• Those who have more than one source of income like house property, capital gains etc.
• Those who want to claim an income tax refund from the department.
• Those who have earned from or have invested in foreign assets during the FY.
• Those who wish to apply for a visa or loan
• A company or a firm, irrespective of profit or loss.

What to do if you haven't received Income Tax refund?

The Income Tax refund is usually held up when there is a significant difference in incomes or deductions that you claimed while filing your ITR compared to your Form 16 or 16A. To fix this, you may have to respond to an email sent by the IT department, asking you to confirm your refund claim.

What else can you do on the ITR portal?

In addition to filing an ITR copy, you can e-verify your income tax return, link your Aadhaar card to PAN, track the status of the income tax return filed and more.