How to File ITR Online Without a CA in 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide

Gone are the days when filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) was a task only for professionals. With digitization and simplification of tax systems, salaried individuals with straightforward income structures can now file their ITR online—without hiring a Chartered Accountant (CA). If you’re wondering how to file your ITR online for the Assessment Year 2025–26, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a first-time filer or someone looking to ditch the middleman, this guide from Regular Station simplifies everything for you.

Who Can File ITR Without a CA?

You can confidently file your ITR yourself—without professional help—if:

• Your income is limited to salary, bank interest, or savings.
• You don’t own a business, have foreign income, or claim complex deductions.
• You haven’t traded in cryptocurrency or stock markets in the financial year.

If the above applies to you, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the right form. According to the Income Tax Department of India, ITR-1 can be filed by individuals earning up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources like interest income.

💡 Source: Income Tax Department of India

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Documents You Need Before You Begin

Having all the necessary documents ready will save time and prevent errors:

• Form 16 (issued by your employer)
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Bank account details
• Investment proofs for deductions (Sections 80C, 80D, etc.)
• Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) from the income tax portal

Step-by-Step Guide to File Your ITR Online (AY 2025-26)

Step 1: Log In to the Income Tax Portal

• Visit www.incometax.gov.in
• Click Login using your PAN as User ID and password.
• If you haven’t registered, click on “Register” and follow the steps.

Step 2: Start Filing Your Return

Navigate to:
e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return

Step 3: Select the Assessment Year

Choose AY 2025-26 (for income earned between April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025). Select the online mode of filing for a guided process.

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Step 4: Choose the Correct ITR Form

For salaried individuals, select ITR-1 (Sahaj). It’s ideal for those who have:

• Salary income
• One house property
• Interest income
• Total income less than ₹50 lakh

Step 5: Review Pre-filled Data

The portal auto-fetches details from:

• Your Form 16
• Form 26AS
• AIS

Cross-check all entries, especially salary figures, interest income, and deductions. Edit if required.

Step 6: Claim Eligible Deductions

Under Chapter VI-A:

• Section 80C (e.g., PPF, LIC, ELSS, tuition fees)
• Section 80D (health insurance premiums)
• Section 80TTA (interest on savings account)

Note: Only claim what you can substantiate with documentary proof. According to Moneycontrol, the Income Tax Department is tightening scrutiny around fake claims.

Step 7: Calculate Tax and Pay Dues

Once deductions are entered, the system calculates your tax liability.

• If additional tax is due, pay it using Challan 280 via net banking or UPI.
• Ensure to mention the correct Assessment Year (2025–26).

Step 8: Submit and e-Verify

After reviewing everything:

• Click Submit
• Then e-Verify your ITR using:
• Aadhaar OTP
• Net banking
• Bank Demat account
• Bank ATM (only for selected banks)

📌 Important: If not verified within 30 days, your return becomes invalid.

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New Compliance Rule: Be Proof-Ready for Deductions

In line with recent updates by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), taxpayers must retain proof of deductions. For instance:

• LIC premium receipts for 80C
• Health insurance bills for 80D
• Home loan interest certificates

As highlighted by The Financial Express, the government is actively cracking down on false deduction claims. So, transparency and proper documentation are crucial.

ITR Filing Deadline for FY 2024-25

Mark your calendar!

• Last date for non-audit individuals: September 15, 2025
• Late filing may attract penalties under Section 234F

Why You Should File ITR Yourself

✅ Cost Saving
Hiring a CA can cost anywhere between ₹500 to ₹3000 for simple returns. Doing it yourself saves money.

✅ Financial Awareness
You’ll gain a better understanding of your finances, tax outgo, and investment patterns.

✅ It’s Easy & Online
The government’s e-filing portal is intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, there are help prompts at every step.

✅ Strong Financial Footprint
Even if your income is below the taxable limit, filing ITR is beneficial for:

• Visa applications
• Loan approvals
• Creating a credible financial history

According to Live Mint, many banks and embassies now consider ITRs as part of their due diligence process.

Bonus Tip: Use Free Tools on the Portal

The IT portal now offers:

• AIS & TIS comparison tools for transaction tracking
• Pre-filled JSON utility for offline filing
• Real-time refund status check

If your employer has already deducted TDS, chances are you’ll get a quick refund if eligible, provided your return is error-free and verified on time.

When You Might Still Need a CA

While this guide empowers most salaried individuals, it’s wise to consult a CA if:

• You’ve had multiple jobs in a year
• You’ve traded in shares, mutual funds, or cryptocurrency
• You own foreign assets or income
• You’re claiming capital gains deductions

Conclusion: Be Tax Smart, Be Self-Reliant

Filing your own ITR isn’t just about saving money—it’s about taking control of your financial life. With digital tools, streamlined forms, and plenty of official guidance, even first-time filers can complete the process confidently.

So, this ITR season, skip the queue, ditch the CA, and become your own tax expert.

Visit www.incometax.gov.in and file your return today!