Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) is a legal requirement for anyone earning above the basic exemption limit. Even if your income is below this threshold, you can still file voluntarily—either to claim a refund or to build a financial history. To get started, especially if you are filing for the first time, you must create an account on the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department. This registration is linked to your PAN and serves as your permanent user ID for all future filings, tax credit checks, and refunds.
Without registration, you won’t be able to view forms, submit returns, or monitor tax credits. Here’s how to register and file your first ITR easily:
How to Register on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Step 1: Visit the portal
Go to the official e-filing site (incometax.gov.in) and select “Register” on the homepage. Choose the category that applies to you—most new users will register as “Individual.”
Step 2: Provide PAN and personal details
Enter your PAN, which acts as your user ID, followed by your full name, date of birth, and residential status. The system cross-verifies your details with the government database, so make sure everything matches exactly with your PAN records.
Step 3: Verify contact details
Add your personal mobile number and email address. These are vital for receiving OTPs and all official updates. Enter the OTPs you receive to complete the verification process. Always provide your own contact details instead of using someone else’s.
Step 4: Set login credentials
After verification, you will be asked to create a secure password and a personal login message. This extra step helps protect against phishing attempts. Choose a password that is strong but easy for you to remember.
Step 5: Activate your account
Finally, an activation link will be sent to your registered email ID. Click on it to complete the registration. You can now log in anytime using your PAN and password.
Filing Your First Return
Once you’re registered, you can move on to e-filing. The system automatically fetches and pre-fills much of your income and tax data from employers, banks, or other institutions, minimizing errors. Review these details carefully and cross-check them with your Form 16, TDS certificates, and bank records.
- For salaried individuals earning up to ₹50 lakh without complicated income sources, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is usually sufficient.
After filling in the form online, you must verify your return. This can be done easily through Aadhaar OTP, internet banking, electronic verification code (EVC), or by sending a signed copy of ITR-V to the Central Processing Centre in Bengaluru.
