Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) may seem difficult to most people, especially if you are a salaried employee and don’t have a Chartered Accountant (CA) to help. The good news? In 2025, filing your ITR online without a CA is much easier than you think. With the help of government websites, pre-filled forms, and step-by-step instructions, salaried people can now file income tax return without CA in India easily from home.
This simple guide will show you How to File Income Tax Return Online for Salaried Employees, so your tax filing becomes easy, fast, and stress-free.
Why Should Salaried Employees File ITR?
Whether your income is below or above the basic exemption limit, filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is still important. Here’s why:
- Claim Income Tax Refunds – If TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is cut from your salary, you can get it back by filing ITR.
- Faster Loan Approval – Banks ask for ITR when you apply for home, car, or personal loans. It helps speed up your loan process.
- Proof of Income – Visa applications or job offers often need proof of income. ITR acts as a valid income document.
- Avoid Penalties – If you don’t file ITR on time, you may face a fine under Section 234F.
- Carry Forward Losses – You can carry forward certain financial losses like from stocks or property to adjust in future years.
ITR filing for salaried employees without CA is also available. It gives you more control over your money and saves consultation charges.
Documents Required for Online ITR Filing in 2025
Before you start the ITR filing process, keep these documents ready:
- Form 16 – Given by your employer, showing your salary and tax details
- Aadhaar Card and PAN Card – For identity and tax purposes
- Bank Account Details – Like IFSC Code and Account Number
- Salary Slip – It is optional, but helpful for cross-checking
- Investment Proofs – To claim deduction under Section 80C, 80D, etc.
- Home Loan / LIC Premium Receipts – For tax saving under different sections
- Form 26AS – It shows the taxes you have already paid
- AIS (Annual Information Statement) – It is a summary of all your financial transactions
- Interest Certificates – It is from banks for FD, RD, and savings account interest.
How to File Income Tax Return Online for Salaried Employees Without CA – Step-by-Step Guide
Want to file your income tax return (ITR) online without paying a CA? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you do it yourself on the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Step 1: Register or Login to the e-Filing Portal
- Go to the official website
- Click Login if you already have an account. If not, click on Register.
- Use your PAN number as your user ID.
- Enter details like Aadhaar, email address, and mobile number to verify.
- An OPT (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered email or phone number. Enter it to confirm your identity.
Once logged in, you will land on your personal dashboard, where you can see all your income tax related details.
Step 2: Select ‘File Income Tax Return’
- On your dashboard, click on e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return
- Select the Assessment Year 2025-26 for income earned between April 2024 and March 2025
- Choose the Online mode
- Select your filing type as individual
- Choose the correct ITR Form. use ITR-1, if you are a salary person with simple income.
If you are not sure which form to choose, the portal may suggest it based on your details.
Step 3: Pre-Fill and Review Your Details
The system will auto-fill your information from:
- Form 16, which is shared by your employer
- Form 26AS, which shows TDS and tax paid
- AIS (Annual Information Statement)
Carefully check your name, PAN, Address, and income details. If you have any extra income, then add those extra income manually, such as:
- Interest form FDs or savings account
- Rental income
- Freelancing or side income, if you
Double-check all figures to make sure everything is correct.
Step 4: Declare Deductions to Save Tax
Under Chapter VI-A, you can claim deductions to reduce your income tax:
- Section 80C – Life insurance (LIC), PPF, ELSS funds, home loan principal, tuition fees etc.
- Section 80D – Health insurance premiums paid for self and family
- Section 80TTA – Interest earned on savings accounts up to ₹10,000
You will also need to choose between the Old Tax Regime with deductions, or the New Tax Regime for lower rates, no deduction.
Step 5: Validate and Submit Your Return
- After entering all the details, click on Preview Return
- Review the full summary of your return – check income, deduction, and tax payable or refund.
- If everything looks good, click on Submit
Make sure there are no mistakes before you hit submit.
Step 6: e-Verify Your ITR
After submitting, you must e-verify your ITR. this is a final step and without this, your return won’t be processed and you can e-verify using:
- OTP on Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Net Banking by selecting bank from the kist and login
- Demat Account, if you have one
- Bank ATM
Your ITR filing is complete once you e-verify. You will get a confirmation message and email.
Note: For salaried employees, the last date to file ITR for AY 2025-26 was July 31,2025, which has now been extended to September 15,2025 by the government. Make sure to file them before the due date, otherwise you may have to pay a late fee of up to ₹5,000.
Which ITR Form Should You Use?
If you’re a salaried individual, here are the most common ITR forms you might need:
- ITR-1 (Sehaj): Use this if your salary is up to ₹50 lakhs, you own only one house, and earn from other sources like interest.
- ITR-2: Choose this if your income is more than ₹50 lakhs or you have more than one house property.
- ITR / ITR-4: These are those who have business income or do freelancing like consultants, traders, or gig workers.
- Why You Should File ITR Even If You Have No Tax to Pay?
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing ITR
- Not verifying Form 26AS or AIS
- Selecting the wrong ITR form
- Missing out on deductions
- Not e-verifying the return
- Entering incorrect bank details
- Not reporting all income and claiming false or inflated deductions
- Filing ITR after the due date
- Ignoring capital gains from shares or mutual funds
Tip: Filing ITR carefully not only saves money but also avoids legal troubles. When in doubt, take help from reliable sources or official guides.
Conclusion
To file income tax return without CA in India 2025 is completely possible. In fact, it’s much easier than most people think. With a little preparation like gathering your salary slip, Form 16, and bank details and a stable internet connection, you can file your ITR from the comfort of your home.
It just takes a bit of patience and attention. You don’t need expert help to do this. Take control of your finances and file your ITR like a pro!
FAQs
Can I file ITR without a CA if I’m a salaried employee?
Yes, you can. The income tax e-filing portal is easy to use and made for self-filing, especially with ITR-1.
Which ITR form should a salaried person use?
Most salaried people should use ITR-1 (Sehaj), if their total income is up to ₹50 lakhs and they don’t have business income or capital gains.
Is it mandatory to file ITR if my income is below the taxable limit?
No. But filing your ITR is still a good idea because it helps with things like getting loans, visas, and claiming tax refunds.
Can I revise my ITR if I make a mistake?
Yes. Just make sure to do it before December 31 of the assessment year.
How do I know if my ITR is successfully filed?
After you e-verify your return, you will get a confirmation email with an ITR-V. You can also check the ITR status anytime on the e-filing portal.