Hello, in this post we will take a look at the step by step procedure for e-filing of ITR with or without digital signature. For those who are not filing their returns electronically, we have also discussed paper return filing.

1. ITR filing without digital signature
2. ITR filing with digital signature
3. Paper filing of ITR

Let us begin.

Income tax return filing without digital signature

Step-1: You need to download the ITR preparation software (Like Saral IncomeTax) for the appropriate Assessment Year (AY) on your PC / Laptop from the Downloads page.

Step-2: Next , you need to prepare the return using the downloaded software.

1. Gather all the information with respect to your income, tax payments, deductions etc.
2. Enter the gathered information at the appropriate fields for computation. Then, compare the information to ensure that everything is proper.
3. After you enter all the food, compute the tax and interest liability and final figure of Refund or Tax payable.
4. If Tax is payable – remember to pay immediately and enter the details in appropriate schedule. Repeat the above step so that tax payable becomes zero
5. Generate the Income Tax Return data in XML format and save it in the required path / place on your PC / Laptop.

Step-3: Login to the e-filing website with the User ID, Password, DOB/ Date of Incorporation and enter the Captcha code.

Step-4: Go to “e-file -> Income Tax returns“

Step-5: Next, Select the proper ITR and Assessment Year

Step-6: Select the Submission Mode as “Upload XML”

Step-7: Select if you are going to e-verify your return. If yes, on submission on XML file, enter the OTP received at your Aadhar registered mobile number. If no, then follow Step 8.

Step-8: Finally, upload the XML file & click on the Submit Button

Step-9: On successful submission of ITR , ITR-V will be available on the screen. Click on the link given and download the ITR-V. ITR-V will also be sent to your registered email id. You have to print the ITR-V form, sign it and submit it to the CPC within the span of 120 days from the date of e-Filing.

Income tax return filing with digital signature

The below category of taxpayer have to mandatorily file their IT return with DSC:

Taxpayer	Condition
Individual / HUF	Accounts are required to be audited under section 44AB
Company	In all cases
A person required to furnish the return in Form ITR-7	In case of a political party
Firm or limited liability partnership or any person (other than a person mentioned in 1 to 3 above) who is required to file return in Form ITR-5	Accounts are required to be audited under section 44AB

Now, we will see how to e-file returns with digital signature.

Step-1: Prepare your Income Tax Return and Generate XML.

Step-2: Save XML file in your favourite location [Say Desktop].

Step-3: If not registered, Register Assessee PAN at http://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in

Step-4: Login to Income Tax eFiling website.

Step-5: Click on” eFile -> Income Tax returns”Step 6: Next, Select the proper ITR, Assessment Year

Step-6: Select the Submission Mode as “Upload XML”.

Step-7: Enable the relevant check boxes shown i.e., If you are audited u/s 44AB and If you are audited u/s 92E.

Step-8: Download the DSC Utility and generate the Signature file.

Step-9: Now, upload the signature file and the XML.

Step-10: On click of Submit” button, verification of the signature file and the XML takes place and the return filing acknowledgement will be given.

Note:

• Digital Signature should be a valid certificate and should be on the name of “Authorised Signatory” of the Return.
• Digital Signature has to match with the one registered in the online portal.

ITR paper filing

Now, we will discuss the step by step procedure of filing Income Tax Return manually:

Step-1: Take the printout of relevant ITR form. Check out our blog on ITR forms and download the ITR forms as PDF.

Step-2: Enter the relevant details of Income, Deduction, Tax in applicable ITR form along with Acknowledgement Form.

Step-3: Sign the ITR Form

Step-4: Submit it to Local Income Tax Office and collect a copy along with Receipt Stamp.

Note: This process generates only Paper Form. You will have to sign this and file it at the local IT office along with acknowledgement form.

Related:

If you have finished filing your ITR, go ahead and e-verify you returns. Refer here – E-verification of ITR.