Income Tax

TDS on Rent – Section 194I & 194IB: A Complete Guide What Is TDS on Rent? Paying rent is one of the most common financial transactions in India – be it for residential accommodation, commercial offices, factories, or machinery. However, what many people overlook is a critical tax obligation: TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on rent payments. Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, any person making rental payments above a certain threshold is required by law to deduct TDS before remitting the amount to the landlord. This mechanism ensures that the government collects tax at the very source of income, reducing tax evasion and improving compliance. Two key sections govern TDS on rent in India: Section 194I – Applicable to businesses, firms, companies, and other specified entities. Section 194IB – Applicable to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not fall under a tax audit. This comprehensive blog covers every aspect of TDS on rent – who must deduct it, the applicable rates, thresholds, compliance procedures, penalties for non-compliance, and the difference between Section 194I and 194IB.   Section 194I – TDS on Rent by Entities Who Must Deduct TDS Under Section 194I? Section 194I was introduced in the Income Tax Act, 1961 to ensure that tax is deducted at source on rental income paid to the landlord. The following entities are required to deduct TDS under this section: Companies (Indian and foreign companies registered in India) Partnership Firms Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) Association of Persons (AOP) or Body of Individuals (BOI) Trust (other than an individual or HUF not subject to tax audit) Co-operative Societies Local Authorities Artificial Juridical Persons Individuals and HUFs who are required to get their accounts audited under Section 44AB (i.e., subject to tax audit)   Threshold Limit for Section 194I TDS under Section 194I is applicable only when the aggregate rental payments to a single payee exceed Rs. 2,40,000 in a financial year (i.e., Rs. 20,000 per month). Important Note: If the total rent paid or payable during the financial year does not exceed Rs. 2,40,000, no TDS deduction is required.   TDS Rates Under Section 194I   Nature of Rent / Asset TDS Rate (with PAN) TDS Rate (without PAN) Rent of land, building, or furniture 10% 20% Rent of plant, machinery, or equipment 2% 20%   Key Definitions Under Section 194I What qualifies as ‘Rent’? The term ‘Rent’ under Section 194I has a broad meaning and includes any payment made under a lease, sub-lease, tenancy, or any other agreement (whether written or not) for the use of: Land Building (including factory building) Land appurtenant to a building (including factory building) Machinery Plant Equipment Furniture Fittings The above list makes it clear that TDS on rent is not limited to residential or commercial property alone – it extends to any asset given for use in exchange for payment.   When Is TDS to Be Deducted Under Section 194I? TDS must be deducted at the time of: Credit of rental income to the account of the payee (landlord), OR Payment of the rental amount, whichever is earlier. This means if rent is being credited to a ledger account before actual payment, TDS must be deducted at the time of crediting.   Section 194IB – TDS on Rent by Individuals/HUF Background and Purpose Prior to the introduction of Section 194IB (effective from June 1, 2017), individuals and HUFs who were not subject to tax audit were not required to deduct TDS on rent payments. This created a significant gap in the TDS framework, as a large number of individuals paying high rents were outside the tax deduction net. Section 194IB was introduced by the Finance Act, 2017 to plug this gap and bring individual and HUF renters under the TDS ambit.   Who Must Deduct TDS Under Section 194IB? Section 194IB applies to: Individuals who are not required to get their accounts audited under Section 44AB, AND Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who are not required to get their accounts audited under Section 44AB. Simply put: If you are a salaried employee, a freelancer, or a small business owner paying rent and your business turnover does not require a tax audit, you fall under Section 194IB.   Threshold Limit for Section 194IB TDS under Section 194IB must be deducted if the monthly rent exceeds Rs. 50,000 per month (or part of the month). Important: Unlike Section 194I, the threshold here is evaluated on a monthly basis, not annually. If your monthly rent exceeds Rs. 50,000, TDS must be deducted.   TDS Rate Under Section 194IB   Condition TDS Rate Remarks Landlord provides PAN 5% Standard rate Landlord does not provide PAN 20% Higher deduction rate   When and How to Deduct TDS Under Section 194IB? TDS under Section 194IB is deducted once in a financial year – specifically in the last month of the tenancy or the last month of the financial year (March), whichever is earlier. Key Procedural Steps: Identify if monthly rent exceeds Rs. 50,000. Deduct TDS at 5% (or 20% if PAN not provided) in the last month of tenancy or last month of financial year (March). Deposit TDS using Form 26QC (Challan-cum-statement) within 30 days from the end of the month in which TDS was deducted. Issue TDS certificate (Form 16C) to the landlord within 15 days from the due date of furnishing Form 26QC.   Section 194I vs Section 194IB – Key Differences   Parameter Section 194I Section 194IB Applicable To Companies, Firms, Tax Audit cases Individuals & HUF (Non-audit) Threshold Rs. 2,40,000 per year (Rs. 20,000/month) Rs. 50,000 per month TDS Rate – Land/Building 10% 5% TDS Rate – Plant/Machinery 2% N/A TDS Rate – No PAN 20% 20% Frequency of Deduction Monthly (at time of payment/credit) Once a year (last month of tenancy/FY) Form for Filing Form 26Q (quarterly) Form 26QC (per transaction) TDS Certificate Form 16A Form 16C Due Date – Deposit 7th of next month (March: 30th April) 30 days from end of deduction month

Income from House Property – Complete Taxation Guide for India (AY 2025-26) Why House Property Taxation Matters Owning a property in India is often considered the cornerstone of personal wealth. Yet, thousands of property owners unknowingly under-report or miscalculate their taxable income from property, leading to notices from the Income Tax Department and missed deduction opportunities. Whether you own a single self-occupied home, rent out a flat, own multiple properties, or have inherited real estate, understanding how your property income is taxed is critical for accurate ITR filing and optimal tax planning. The provisions governing this are laid down under Sections 22 to 27 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This guide is your complete, authoritative reference for Income from House Property taxation in India for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, covering: What constitutes ‘house property’ under the Income Tax Act Categories of house property for tax purposes Step-by-step computation of taxable income from house property Deductions available under Section 24 Treatment of co-ownership, inheritance, and multiple properties New Tax Regime vs Old Tax Regime — which is better for property owners ITR filing requirements and common mistakes to avoid   What is ‘Income from House Property’ Under Income Tax? Under Section 22 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the annual value of property consisting of buildings or land appurtenant thereto, of which the assessee is the owner, is chargeable to income tax under the head ‘Income from House Property’. Key conditions for income to be taxable under this head: The assessee must be the OWNER of the property (legal or beneficial owner) The property must consist of a building or land attached to it The property should NOT be used by the owner for the purpose of their own business or profession (otherwise it is taxed under ‘Profits and Gains of Business or Profession’)   What Qualifies as ‘Building’ for This Purpose? The term ‘building’ includes: residential houses, flats, bungalows, commercial premises, offices, shops, godowns, factories, and any structure affixed to land. Bare agricultural land without any structure does NOT qualify as house property.   Categories of House Property The Income Tax Act classifies house property into three categories, each treated differently for tax computation:   Category Definition Annual Value Key Rule Self-Occupied Property (SOP) Property used by owner for own residence Nil (deemed zero) Max 2 SOPs allowed Let-Out Property (LOP) Property rented out to a tenant for full/partial year Actual rent OR Fair Rent, whichever is higher Full deductions available Deemed Let-Out Property (DLOP) Property neither self-occupied nor actually let out (vacant) Deemed to earn Fair Rent Treated same as let-out   Important Rule: If you own more than 2 properties, only 2 can be treated as self-occupied (Annual Value = Nil). All remaining properties — even if genuinely vacant — are treated as Deemed Let-Out and are taxed on their fair rental value.   Step-by-Step Computation of Income from House Property The taxable income from house property is calculated using the following structured formula, applied separately for each property owned:   Step Component Formula / Rule Step 1 Gross Annual Value (GAV) Higher of: (a) Actual Rent Received/Receivable OR (b) Expected Rent [Higher of Municipal Value & Fair Rent, capped at Standard Rent] Step 2 Less: Municipal Taxes Paid Deduct municipal taxes actually paid by owner during the year Step 3 Net Annual Value (NAV) GAV minus Municipal Taxes = NAV Step 4 Less: Standard Deduction (Sec 24a) 30% of NAV (flat deduction, no bills needed) Step 5 Less: Interest on Home Loan (Sec 24b) Actual interest paid (limits apply — see below) Step 6 Income from House Property NAV minus (Standard Deduction + Interest) = Taxable Income   Gross Annual Value (GAV): Detailed Explanation GAV is the cornerstone of house property tax calculation. It represents the notional annual rental income the property is capable of earning. The concept of GAV applies only to let-out and deemed let-out properties. For self-occupied properties, GAV is always taken as Nil. How to Determine GAV for a Let-Out Property GAV = Maximum of the following two values: Actual Rent Received or Receivable during the year Expected Rent = Higher of Municipal Valuation OR Fair Market Rent (but not exceeding Standard Rent under Rent Control Acts, if applicable) However, if the property was vacant for part of the year AND actual rent is less than expected rent due to that vacancy, the actual rent received is taken as GAV.   Worked Example – GAV Calculation Particulars Amount (₹) Municipal Value of Property ₹1,80,000 p.a. Fair Rent (Market Rent) ₹2,10,000 p.a. Standard Rent (Rent Control) ₹1,95,000 p.a. Actual Rent Received (11 months — 1 month vacant) ₹1,92,500 Expected Rent = Higher of Municipal (₹1.8L) & Fair (₹2.1L) = ₹2.1L, capped at Standard Rent ₹1.95L ₹1,95,000 GAV = Higher of Expected Rent (₹1,95,000) vs Actual Rent (₹1,92,500) ₹1,95,000   Net Annual Value (NAV) and Municipal Taxes After arriving at GAV, you deduct municipal taxes (property tax) paid by the owner during the previous year to arrive at NAV. Important conditions for this deduction: Municipal taxes must be PAID (not just accrued) during the previous year Taxes must be paid by the OWNER (not tenant) Applies only to let-out / deemed let-out property (not SOP)   Deductions Under Section 24: The Tax Saver for Property Owners Section 24 of the Income Tax Act provides two critical deductions from NAV: Section 24(a) — Standard Deduction A flat 30% of NAV is allowed as a deduction regardless of actual expenditure on maintenance, repairs, insurance, or depreciation. This deduction is available even if you incur zero expenses. No documentation is required. Formula: Standard Deduction = 30% of NAV Section 24(b) — Interest on Home Loan Interest paid on a loan taken for purchase, construction, repair, renewal, or reconstruction of house property is deductible under Section 24(b). The deduction limits are:   Property Type Purpose of Loan Maximum Deduction Self-Occupied Property Acquisition or construction (loan taken after 01-Apr-1999, construction complete within 5 years) Up to ₹2,00,000 p.a.

TDS on Property Purchase – Section 194-IA: Everything You Need to Know as a Property Buyer in India Why Property Buyers Must Know About TDS Buying a property in India is a milestone moment — but it also comes with a set of tax obligations that most buyers overlook. One of the most critical (and commonly missed) compliance requirements is TDS on property purchase under Section 194-IA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. If you are purchasing an immovable property worth ₹50 lakh or more, you are legally required to deduct TDS at the time of payment to the seller. Failing to do so can attract heavy penalties, interest, and even prosecution. 💡 Quick Fact: As per CBDT data, millions of property transactions happen every year in India — yet a large number of buyers still miss this TDS compliance, exposing themselves to notices from the Income Tax Department. In this comprehensive guide by CleverCoins, we will walk you through every aspect of TDS on property purchase — what it is, who needs to deduct it, at what rate, how to deposit it, and the consequences of non-compliance.   What Is Section 194-IA of the Income Tax Act? Section 194-IA was introduced by the Finance Act, 2013, and came into effect from 1st June 2013. It mandates that any buyer purchasing immovable property (other than agricultural land) from a resident seller must deduct TDS if the transaction value is ₹50 lakh or more. The key purpose of this provision is to track high-value real estate transactions, bring them under the tax net, and prevent under-reporting of property sale consideration. Key Terms Under Section 194-IA Term Meaning Transferee Buyer of the immovable property Transferor Seller of the immovable property Immovable Property Any land or building (excluding rural agricultural land) Consideration The amount paid or payable by the buyer to the seller Stamp Duty Value Value assessed by the state government for stamp duty purposes TDS Rate 1% of consideration (or stamp duty value, whichever is higher)   Who Is Responsible for Deducting TDS? The responsibility for deducting TDS under Section 194-IA lies solely on the BUYER (transferee). Unlike businesses that need TAN for TDS deduction, an individual property buyer can deduct and deposit TDS using just their PAN. No TAN is required. This is an important distinction because many buyers assume only businesses or companies are required to deduct TDS. However, Section 194-IA applies equally to: Individual buyers (salaried, self-employed, HUF) Partnership firms purchasing property Companies buying immovable property from a resident individual NRI buyers purchasing from a resident seller (Section 194-IA applies)   ⚠️ Important Note: If the SELLER is an NRI, Section 194-IA does NOT apply. Instead, Section 195 governs TDS on such transactions at different rates. This guide focuses exclusively on purchases from resident sellers.   What Is the Threshold Limit? Section 194-IA applies when the consideration for the transfer of an immovable property is ₹50 lakh or more. This is the aggregate consideration — not per instalment. Important points about the threshold: If you pay ₹10 lakh as advance and ₹45 lakh as final payment — TDS applies on BOTH because the total is ₹55 lakh (above ₹50 lakh threshold). If the property is co-owned by multiple buyers and each buyer’s share is below ₹50 lakh, TDS still applies if the total consideration is ₹50 lakh or more. Stamp Duty Value vs Sale Consideration: As per the amendment effective 1st April 2022, TDS is to be deducted on the higher of the actual sale consideration or the stamp duty value (circle rate value).   📌 Budget 2022 Amendment: Prior to 2022, TDS was deducted only on actual sale consideration. Now, if the stamp duty value exceeds the agreed price, TDS must be calculated on the stamp duty value. This prevents under-reporting of property values.   TDS Rate Under Section 194-IA The TDS rate under Section 194-IA is 1% of the consideration (or stamp duty value, whichever is higher). Scenario TDS Rate Remarks Normal Case (Seller has valid PAN) 1% Standard rate Seller does NOT furnish PAN 20% Higher rate under Section 206AA Property below ₹50 lakh Nil TDS not applicable Rural Agricultural Land Nil Exempt from Sec 194-IA   🔑 Pro Tip by CleverCoins: Always collect and verify the seller’s PAN before executing the Sale Deed. If the seller fails to provide PAN, you must deduct TDS at 20% instead of 1%, significantly increasing your cash outflow at closing.   What Is Form 26QB? (The TDS Challan-cum-Statement) Form 26QB is the TDS challan-cum-statement that a property buyer must file to deposit TDS under Section 194-IA. Unlike normal TDS, there is no requirement to file a separate TDS return. Form 26QB itself serves as both the payment challan and the TDS return. Details Required for Form 26QB PAN of the buyer and seller Complete address of both buyer and seller Property address and details Total consideration amount Stamp duty value (if applicable) Payment mode (lump sum or instalments) Date of agreement and possession Amount paid in the current instalment (if applicable) TDS amount to be deposited   Where to File Form 26QB Form 26QB is filed online through the TIN-NSDL portal (https://onlineservices.tin.egov-nsdl.com) or through the official Income Tax e-Filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in). Payment can be made via: Net Banking (authorized banks) Payment via Bank Challan (offline, at authorized branches)   Step-by-Step Process: How to Deduct and Deposit TDS Under Section 194-IA Here is the complete end-to-end process for complying with Section 194-IA as a property buyer: Step 1: Calculate TDS Amount Determine the higher of: (a) Actual sale consideration, or (b) Stamp duty value (circle rate). Multiply that amount by 1% to arrive at the TDS to be deducted. Step 2: Deduct TDS at the Time of Payment TDS must be deducted at the time of crediting or paying the consideration to the seller — whichever is EARLIER. For instalment-based payments, deduct TDS proportionately on each instalment. Step 3: File Form 26QB Online Visit the TIN-NSDL portal or

Section 54 & 54EC – Save LTCG Tax on Property: Your Complete Legal Tax-Saving Blueprint for 2026 You Don’t Have to Pay Full Tax on Your Property Sale Imagine selling a property for ₹1.5 crore — a property you bought for ₹35 lakh years ago. The Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) would be enormous. Without planning, you could end up paying 12.5% (or even more, with surcharge and cess) on crores of rupees in gains. That could mean a tax bill of ₹15–20 lakh or more. But here is what many property sellers don’t know: the Indian Income Tax Act provides powerful, completely legal exemptions that can reduce — or even eliminate — your LTCG tax liability. The two most important of these are Section 54 and Section 54EC. In this comprehensive guide by CleverCoins, we will explain every aspect of Section 54 and Section 54EC — who qualifies, what conditions must be met, how much tax you can save, real-world calculation examples, and the common mistakes that cost sellers lakhs of rupees every year. 💡 Quick Fact: According to income tax data, a significant number of eligible taxpayers either miss Section 54/54EC exemptions entirely or claim them incorrectly, resulting in either excess tax payment or receiving income tax notices. Getting this right is critical.   Quick Overview: What Is LTCG on Property? Before diving into exemptions, a quick recap of Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) on property: Parameter Details Asset Type Immovable property (land, building, or both) Holding Period for LTCG More than 24 months from date of acquisition LTCG Tax Rate (post July 2024) 12.5% WITHOUT indexation LTCG Tax Rate (pre July 2024 property) Option: 12.5% without indexation OR 20% with indexation — choose lower Surcharge + Cess 4% Health & Education Cess applicable on tax Threshold LTCG up to ₹1.25 lakh is tax-free (for listed assets — does NOT apply to property)   ⚠️ Important Note: The ₹1.25 lakh LTCG basic exemption under Section 112A applies ONLY to listed equity shares and equity mutual funds — NOT to immovable property. Property LTCG is fully taxable (above ₹3 lakh basic exemption for individuals in the new regime, if applicable). Always consult a tax advisor.   Section 54: The Flagship Exemption for Residential Property Sellers Section 54 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is the most widely used and powerful LTCG exemption for property sellers. It allows you to claim full or partial exemption from LTCG tax if you sell a residential house property and reinvest the gains into purchasing or constructing a NEW residential house property. Who Can Claim Section 54 Exemption? ✅ Eligibility: Section 54 is available ONLY to Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). Companies, partnership firms, LLPs, and trusts CANNOT claim Section 54 exemption.   What Asset Must Be Sold? The original asset sold must be a LONG-TERM residential house property — land + building or just building The property must have been held for more than 24 months It must be classified as a residential house — NOT a plot, commercial property, or agricultural land The house must have been a residential property regardless of whether you actually resided there   What Must You Invest In? You must purchase OR construct ONE new residential house property in India One new house — the exemption cap of ₹10 crore was introduced in Budget 2023 (see cap details below) The new property must be located in India (cannot be an overseas property) The new property can be under construction — it just needs to be completed within 3 years   Time Limits for Reinvestment — Section 54 Mode of Reinvestment Time Limit Key Condition Purchase of new house 1 year BEFORE the sale OR 2 years AFTER the sale Date of sale is the reference point Construction of new house Within 3 years from the date of sale Completion of construction required Unable to invest before ITR due date Deposit in Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) by due date of ITR Amount must be used within 2/3 years   How Much Exemption Can You Claim Under Section 54? Exemption = Lower of: (a) Long-Term Capital Gain OR (b) Cost of New Residential Property Purchased / Constructed   If the cost of the new house is EQUAL TO OR MORE than the LTCG — the ENTIRE gain is exempt and tax = NIL. If the cost of the new house is LESS than the LTCG — the balance (LTCG minus cost of new house) is taxable.   The ₹10 Crore Cap on Section 54 — Budget 2023 📌 Budget 2023 Amendment: From FY 2023-24 onwards, the Section 54 exemption is capped at a maximum investment of ₹10 crore. If the cost of the new house exceeds ₹10 crore, the exemption is still limited to ₹10 crore. This prevents ultra-high-net-worth individuals from claiming unlimited exemptions on luxury property purchases.   LTCG New House Cost Exemption Allowed ₹80 lakh ₹1.20 crore ₹80 lakh (entire LTCG exempt) ₹1.00 crore ₹75 lakh ₹75 lakh (partial; ₹25L taxable) ₹4.00 crore ₹12.00 crore ₹4.00 crore (entire LTCG exempt; despite house cost > ₹10Cr, LTCG < ₹10Cr cap) ₹12.00 crore ₹15.00 crore ₹10.00 crore (cap applies; ₹2Cr taxable)   Lock-in Period: The 3-Year Rule for Section 54 ⚠️  CRITICAL: If you sell the newly purchased / constructed house within 3 years of its acquisition or completion, the capital gains exemption claimed earlier is REVERSED. The LTCG that was exempt will be added back to your income in the year of sale of the new house and taxed accordingly. The 3-year lock-in is non-negotiable.   Section 54F: Exemption for Sellers of Non-Residential Assets Section 54F is the SISTER provision to Section 54. It grants LTCG exemption when you sell any Long-Term Capital Asset OTHER THAN a residential house and reinvest the ENTIRE NET SALE CONSIDERATION (not just the LTCG) in a new residential house. Key Differences Between Section 54 and Section 54F Parameter Section 54 Section 54F Asset Sold Residential house property only Any LTCA except

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an annual obligation for millions of Indian taxpayers — and for many, a source of anxiety. Choosing the wrong ITR form, missing a deadline, or failing to disclose certain income can result in notices, penalties, or missed refunds. Yet ITR filing, when approached systematically, is straightforward. The Income Tax Department has progressively simplified the process, with pre-filled forms, automated reconciliation, and instant e-verification. This comprehensive guide covers everything about ITR filing for FY 2025-26 — the correct form for your income type, key due dates, documents you need to keep handy, a step-by-step filing process, and the most common mistakes to avoid. Who Must File an Income Tax Return? Filing an ITR is mandatory if your gross total income before deductions exceeds the basic exemption limit (Rs. 2.5 lakh for individuals below 60 years, Rs. 3 lakh for senior citizens, and Rs. 5 lakh for super senior citizens under the Old Regime; Rs. 3 lakh under the New Regime). Beyond income thresholds, ITR filing is also mandatory in certain situations: if you have deposited more than Rs. 1 crore in bank accounts, paid electricity bills exceeding Rs. 1 lakh, incurred foreign travel expenditure above Rs. 2 lakh, or have foreign assets or income. Filing an ITR is also recommended even when not mandatory — for loan applications, visa processing, carrying forward capital losses, and establishing financial credibility. Which ITR Form to Choose for FY 2025-26? Choosing the right ITR form is the first step to accurate filing. ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for resident individuals with total income up to Rs. 50 lakh from salary/pension, one house property, and other sources (interest). ITR-2 is for individuals and HUFs with capital gains, more than one house property, foreign income, or income above Rs. 50 lakh but no business income. ITR-3 is for individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession, including F&O traders. ITR-4 (Sugam) is for individuals, HUFs, and firms opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE. ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7 are for partnerships, companies, and trusts/institutions respectively. Important ITR Due Dates for FY 2025-26 For non-audit cases (individuals, HUFs without audit requirement), the ITR due date for FY 2025-26 is July 31, 2026. For audit cases (businesses and professionals whose accounts require tax audit), the due date is October 31, 2026. For cases involving transfer pricing reports, the due date is November 30, 2026. Late filing attracts a penalty of Rs. 5,000 (reduced to Rs. 1,000 if total income is below Rs. 5 lakh), and forfeits the ability to carry forward most capital and business losses. Documents Checklist for ITR Filing Having your documents ready before starting the filing process saves significant time and prevents errors. Essential documents include: PAN and Aadhaar cards. Form 16 from your employer (for salaried individuals). Form 16A from banks and deductors for TDS on non-salary income. Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) from the Income Tax portal. Bank account statements for interest income. Mutual fund capital gains statements from CAMS or KFintech. Stock trading statements with capital gains computation from your broker. Rent receipts and landlord details (for HRA claim). Home loan interest certificate from your bank. Investment proofs for 80C, 80D, and other deductions. Step-by-Step ITR Filing Process Online Step 1: Log in to incometax.gov.in with your PAN and password. Step 2: Go to ‘File Income Tax Return’ under ‘e-File’. Step 3: Select the assessment year (AY 2026-27 for FY 2025-26), the mode (online), and the correct ITR form. Step 4: Review the pre-filled data (pulled from Form 26AS, AIS, and employer TDS data). Correct any discrepancies. Step 5: Fill in income details across all heads, claim applicable deductions, and select your tax regime. Step 6: Compute tax, verify the summary, and pay any self-assessment tax if applicable (using Challan ITNS 280). Step 7: Preview and submit the ITR. Step 8: E-verify immediately using Aadhaar OTP, EVC through net banking, or send a physical signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru within 30 days. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing ITR Filing the wrong ITR form is the most common error, particularly for taxpayers with capital gains who mistakenly file ITR-1 instead of ITR-2. Not reconciling income with AIS leads to notices — always check your AIS for bank interest, dividends, and stock transactions before filing. Forgetting to e-verify the return makes the filing invalid — the return is treated as not filed until verification. Incorrect bank account details can delay refunds significantly. Not claiming eligible deductions when you have proof is leaving money on the table.