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ITR filing made easy: Here's a simple step-by-step guide to file income tax return

ITR filing made easy: Here's a simple step-by-step guide to file income tax return

India Today03-06-2025
Filing your income tax return (ITR) might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it's actually quite straightforward—especially when done online. And here's a bit of relief for crores of taxpayers as the Income Tax Department has extended the last date to file ITR for AY 2025-26 from July 31 to September 15, 2025, for those not requiring an audit. That means you now have 45 extra days to file your return without facing any late fee.advertisementTo make the process smoother, the tax department has released updated ITR utilities for ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam). These are user-friendly tools designed to help you fill in and submit your return online with ease.GATHER THESE KEY DOCUMENTS FIRSTBefore starting your income tax return, ensure you have key documents in hand. These include Form 16 from your employer, Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Tax Information Statement (TIS) from the income tax portal, and your bank statements.
Interest certificates from banks or post offices are also essential. Together, these help confirm your total income and taxes already paid.CHOOSING THE RIGHT ITR FORMThe Income Tax Department has released seven ITR forms (ITR-1 to ITR-7) for FY 2024–25.Most individuals fall under ITR-1 to ITR-4, depending on how they earn, whether through salary, business, or other sources.Now let's walk through the simple steps to file your ITR online.HOW TO FILE ITR ONLINE: STEP-BY-STEPadvertisementTo file your ITR online, start by visiting the official income tax e-filing portal and logging in with your PAN and password. Once logged in, go to the 'e-File' tab and click on 'File Income Tax Return'. Choose the appropriate assessment year, AY 2025-26, for income earned in FY 2024-25, and select the 'Online' filing mode.Next, choose your filing status. Most taxpayers will select 'Individual'. Then, pick the correct ITR form based on your income type. You'll also need to mention the reason for filing your return, such as having taxable income above the exemption limit or meeting certain other criteria.Review and validate all the pre-filled information shown on the portal, including your personal details, bank information, and income figures.Once everything looks correct, e-verify your return within 30 days. You can do this through Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, EVC, or by posting a signed copy of ITR-V to the CPC in Bengaluru.Remember, accurate and timely ITR filing not only keeps you tax-compliant but also helps in quicker refunds and smoother financial planning. Take advantage of the new deadline and updated portal to file stress-free.Trending Reel
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Filing Income Tax Return? One Wrong Move Could Cost You Rs 1.5 Lakh
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As the income tax filing season approaches, financial experts are warning taxpayers to exercise caution while submitting their returns. Even minor errors in filing can result in hefty penalties, delayed refunds, and notices from the Income Tax Department. One of the most common mistakes taxpayers make is selecting the wrong Income Tax Return (ITR) form. Each form is meant for specific income categories. For instance, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is suitable for salaried individuals earning up to Rs 50 lakh, while ITR-2 is for those with capital gains, multiple properties, or foreign assets. Business owners must opt for ITR-3, and those under presumptive taxation should file ITR-4 (Sugam). Filing with an incorrect form may be treated as a 'Defective Return' and must be rectified within 15 days to avoid invalidation. Failure to verify Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) before filing may result in refund delays or excess tax payments. Salaried individuals should ensure they have Form 16, along with documents related to home loans, capital gains, and dividend income. E-verification is another crucial step. Returns must be verified within 30 days via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or Demat account. Alternatively, a signed ITR-V must be sent to the CPC office in Bengaluru. Without verification, the filing is considered incomplete. Late filing attracts a penalty of Rs 5,000 for incomes above Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1,000 for incomes below that. Inaccurate information may lead to a 50% penalty on tax dues and up to 200% for wilful misreporting. Businesses failing to maintain books or submit audit reports on time can face fines up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Taxpayers are advised to file early, double-check their details, and choose the correct regime to avoid unnecessary legal and financial trouble.

No H-1B visa? No problem: Here are the top alternate US work visa options
No H-1B visa? No problem: Here are the top alternate US work visa options

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  • Time of India

No H-1B visa? No problem: Here are the top alternate US work visa options

This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The H-1B visa lottery is a critical step for many companies in the United States looking to employ highly skilled foreign professionals. However, with only 85,000 visas available annually (including 20,000 reserved for those with advanced degrees from US institutions) and hundreds of thousands of applications submitted each year, many qualified individuals are left without a path forward. This leaves employers facing tough decisions about retaining top international talent. Fortunately, there are alternative visa options and strategic pathways that may work for your company. These can help affected employees remain in the US legally or return later with a more secure status. According to ET guest author Poorvi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest, the key lies in planning, strategy, and using a combination of other visa pathways. 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It covers a broad range of professional occupations, including engineers, scientists, medical professionals, and teachers. The TN visa is relatively straightforward to obtain and does not have an annual cap, making it a viable and efficient alternative for those who qualify. The H-1B1 visa is specifically designed for citizens of Chile and Singapore. Like the H-1B, it allows individuals to work in speciality occupations, but with a separate annual quota (within the overall cap of 85,000) that is typically underutilised. As a result, applicants from these countries face less competition and a higher likelihood of approval. For eligible candidates, these country-specific visas can serve as excellent alternatives to the H-1B lottery, providing a legal pathway to live and work in the United States with fewer hurdles. 6. 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Further education opportunities Employees on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) may consider continuing their education to maintain legal status and enhance future immigration opportunities: STEM OPT Extension : Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their initial 12-month OPT, allowing them to work in the US for up to three years. To qualify, the job must be directly related to the STEM degree, and the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. This extension offers additional time to build experience and submit a new application for the H-1B lottery in subsequent years. Day 1 CPT Programs : Some universities offer Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that allows students to begin working from the first day of enrollment. These programs must be approached with caution, as misuse or non-compliant institutions can raise red flags during future visa or immigration reviews. 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Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Friedman, a revered figure in the open-source community, knows how to productise deep tech. And Gross, who reportedly shares Zuckerberg's intensity, brings a perspective grounded in AI alignment and risk. Together, they form a high-agency, no-nonsense leadership core—Zuckerberg's version of a Manhattan Project trio. The Scientists: 11 defections that shook the AI world If leadership provides the vision, the next 11 are the ones expected to engineer it. In a hiring spree that rattled OpenAI, DeepMind, and Anthropic, Meta recruited some of the world's most sought-after researchers—those who helped build GPT-4, Gemini, and several of the most important multimodal models of the decade. 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