The ITR Filing Guide: Your Top 10 Questions Answered

Filing Your Income Tax Return: A Quick Guide to Common Questions

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Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial annual task for many, but the process can often raise questions. Whether you’re a salaried employee, a freelancer, or a business owner, understanding the basics can make the process smoother. Here are the answers to ten of the most common questions about ITR filing.

1. What exactly is an Income Tax Return?

An ITR is a form you use to report your income and the taxes you’ve paid to the Income Tax Department. Filing an ITR allows you to claim refunds for any excess tax paid and to carry forward losses.

2. What are the different ways to file an ITR?

According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), you can file your return in a few ways:

• Paper filing: Submitting a physical paper form.
• Electronic filing: Submitting the return online. This can be done in a few ways:
  • Using a digital signature.
  • Transmitting the data online and using an electronic verification code (EVC).
  • Submitting the return online and then sending a physical copy of the ITR-V (acknowledgement) form.

3. Do I need to attach documents to my return?

No, ITR forms are attachment-free. You don’t need to submit documents like investment proofs or TDS certificates with your return. However, it’s essential to keep these documents safe, as you may be asked to provide them during an assessment or inquiry.

4. Where can I file my ITR online?

The official portal for e-filing your ITR is https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal.

5. What is the Income Tax Department’s e-utility?

The Income Tax Department provides a free e-filing utility (like Java and Excel) to help you generate and submit your e-returns. This tool is designed to simplify the filing process.

6. How do I get a refund if I’ve paid too much tax?

If you’ve paid more tax than you owe, you can claim a refund by filing your ITR. The refund will be credited directly to your bank account via ECS transfer.

7. Is there any downside to filing a return?

There is no disadvantage to filing an ITR. In fact, failing to file when you have taxable income can lead to penalties and legal action under the Income Tax Act.

8. Can I file my return after the due date?

Yes, you can file a belated return after the due date. The Income Tax Act allows this, but it will come with a late filing fee under Section 234F.

9. What is the penalty for filing a late return?

A late filing fee of ₹5,000 is typically charged if you miss the deadline. However, if your total income is ₹5 lakh or less, the fee is reduced to ₹1,000.

10. Is there a help desk for filing queries?

For any questions regarding e-filing, you can contact the help desk at 1800 103 0025.