File Your ITR Without a CA in Just 15 Minutes: Step-by-Step Guide for Salaried Employees (2025)
No CA Needed! How to File ITR Yourself in Just 15 Minutes [AY 2025–26]
ITR 2025 guide: The tax season is here, and if you’re a salaried employee with a simple income structure, you don’t need to hire a Chartered Accountant (CA) to file your income tax return. With the user-friendly income tax portal, you can file ITR-1 (Sahaj) on your own, quickly and confidently.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to file your ITR in 15 minutes.
👤 Who Can File ITR Without a CA?
You are eligible to file your ITR-1 (Sahaj) independently if you:
- Earn only from salary, savings interest, or fixed deposits
- Do not own a business
- Have no foreign income or assets
- Haven’t traded in stocks or cryptocurrency
🧾 Documents You Need Before Filing
Ensure these documents are ready:
- Form 16 (from your employer)
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details
- Investment proofs (for 80C, 80D, etc.)
- Form 26AS or AIS (to verify TDS and interest income)
📘 Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Online
🖥️ 1. Log In to Income Tax Portal
- Visit: www.incometax.gov.in
- Log in using your PAN number as User ID
- First-time users must register before logging in
📂 2. Start Filing Your ITR
- Click:
e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return
📅 3. Select Assessment Year
- Choose AY 2025–26 (for income between April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025)
- Choose the Online mode
📝 4. Select ITR Form
- Select ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salaried individuals without business or capital gains income
📄 5. Review Pre-Filled Data
- The system will auto-fetch details from Form 16 and 26AS
- Cross-check carefully for accuracy
💼 6. Declare Tax Deductions
- Input details of eligible deductions under:
- Section 80C (LIC, ELSS, PPF)
- Section 80D (Health insurance premiums)
- Upload or retain proofs to support deductions
🧮 7. Calculate & Pay Tax
- The portal will auto-calculate the total tax payable/refund
- If tax is due, pay using Net Banking, UPI, or debit card
- Use the Self-Assessment Tax option
✅ 8. Submit and e-Verify
- After verifying all data, click Submit
- Complete e-Verification using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net Banking
- Demat Account
- Bank ATM (for supported banks)
⚠️ Important: If you don’t verify within 30 days, your ITR will be invalid.
⏰ Deadline Alert
- Last date to file ITR (without audit): September 15, 2025
- File early to avoid last-minute glitches or penalties
📌 New Rule: Deduction Proof Is a Must
To claim deductions like 80C or 80D:
- Ensure accurate entry
- Maintain bills, receipts, or investment certificates
- The Income Tax Department is stricter with false or unverifiable claims
💡 Why You Should File ITR Yourself
🔹 Cost-saving – Avoid paying ₹1,000–₹3,000 to a CA for basic filing
🔹 Learn your taxes – Understand your income structure and deductions
🔹 User-friendly portal – The government portal includes help prompts and autofill features
✈️ Bonus: Why File ITR Even if Income Is Below Tax Limit?
- Builds financial credibility
- Needed for loan applications
- Required for visa processing
- Keeps your financial record clean
🧠 Final Word
Filing ITR on your own isn’t just doable—it’s empowering. With basic documents in place and a clear step-by-step approach, you can file your taxes in 15 minutes or less without relying on any external help.
Be tax-smart. Be self-reliant. File your ITR with confidence this season. ITR 2025 guide.
Got questions? Drop them below—I’m all ears!
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