Want to Avoid Income Tax Notice? Here's How to File Your ITR Correctly – Step-by-Step Guide

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season is here, and the Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for Assessment Year 2024–25 to September 15, 2025. If your total annual income exceeds the exemption limit, filing an ITR is mandatory. Not filing your return on time or submitting it incorrectly may result in a tax notice, penalties, or even prosecution in some cases.

Let’s break down how you can file your ITR seamlessly—online or offline—and stay away from any compliance trouble.

What Is the Income Tax Exemption Limit?

The exemption limit differs based on the tax regime and age of the taxpayer:

• New Tax Regime: ₹3 lakh (flat for all individuals)

• Old Tax Regime:

  • Below 60 years: ₹2.5 lakh

  • Senior Citizens (60–80 years): ₹3 lakh

  • Super Senior Citizens (above 80 years): ₹5 lakh

If your income exceeds the applicable exemption limit, you must file ITR, even if no tax is due.

✅ How to File ITR Online

Filing your ITR online through the official e-filing portal is convenient and quick. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Process (Online Mode)

Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal.

Log in using your PAN (serves as your user ID) and password. If you’re a new user, register first.

Click on “File Income Tax Return” under the “e-File” section.

Select the assessment year (2024–25) and appropriate ITR form (Individual, HUF, etc.).

Review pre-filled details such as income, TDS, and deductions. If information is missing, add it manually.

Submit the return, and verify it using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).

🖨️ How to File ITR Offline

If you prefer offline filing, you can use the IT department’s Common Offline Utility. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Process (Offline Mode)

Visit www.incometax.gov.in and download the utility from the "Downloads" section.

Install and launch the application on your system.

Choose “File Return” in the offline utility.

Click on “Download Pre-Fill”, enter your details, and proceed.

Select your filing status (e.g., Individual or HUF).

Enter personal information, including name, address, and bank details.

Review Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) for income and TDS details.

After reviewing deductions and income, generate a JSON file.

Upload the JSON file on the portal and complete e-verification.

📑 Documents You’ll Need to File ITR

Before you start the filing process, make sure to gather the following documents:

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar Card

• Form 16 (from employer)

• Bank account statements

• Stock trading statements (if applicable)

• Insurance premium receipts

• Home loan or education loan interest certificates

• Capital gains statement (if any investments were sold)

🛡️ Final Tips to Avoid ITR Notices

Always verify income and TDS details using Form 26AS and AIS.

Double-check for any mismatch in figures before submission.

Avoid fake deduction claims—they can attract penalties up to 200% of tax dues.

Keep all documents saved for at least six years for reference in case of scrutiny.

Filing your ITR correctly is not just a legal responsibility but also ensures financial discipline and peace of mind. Whether online or offline, follow the right steps and submit your return well before the deadline to avoid the last-minute rush or errors.