Skip Navigation
0 of 0 Displaying
 |   Displaying

No Results

    benefits of filing income tax return

    What Is an Income Tax Return? Meaning, Benefits and Filing Process

    Last Updated On 28-11-2025

    ITR or Income Tax Return is a process through which you send your different sources of income in a particular financial year and the taxes paid against them to the Income Tax Department Of India via a form.

    An ITR form is to be duly filled and sent to the Income Tax Department every financial year that starts from 1st of April of the current year to 31st March of the next year. To calculate your yearly tax precisely, you can use an income tax calculator.

    Save More on Taxes!

    OTP sent successfully

    By submitting your details, you agree to PNB MetLife's Privacy Policy and authorize PNB MetLife and/or its authorized service providers to verify the above information and/or contact you to assist you with the policy purchase and/or servicing. You have the option to opt-out of this contact authorization by un-checking the box. The authorization provided by you herein will supersede all earlier authorizations/registrations made by you in this regard.

    Thank you for getting in touch with us. We will contact you shortly.

    The income can come from a business, monthly salary, rental income, interest income from investments, and more. Dividend on stocks, lottery winnings, royalty income, and any other form of income is also taxable. So, the ITR form should contain all these details as well.

    In this blog, we will understand what is income tax return, ITR meaning, benefits of filing income tax return, and the filing process in detail!

    What is an Income Tax Return?

    Income Tax Return is a form that contains details related to your gross income, taxes, deductions that you have claimed, and exemptions that you are eligible for. So, it is an important document for every taxpayer in the country.

    The individuals who are under 60 and fall under the taxable income bracket must fill the ITR form every year. If your total income does not exceed Rs. 2,50,000 in a financial year, you don’t have to pay any income tax. The limit for senior citizens is Rs. 3,00,000. The individuals above 80 have to pay income tax only if their yearly income exceeds Rs. 5,00,000.

    The Income Tax Return filing also includes payment of the taxes according to the income tax slab you qualify for.

    Different Types Of ITR Forms

    Now that you have understood what is Income Tax Return, let’s look at the different types of ITR forms and their purpose:

    ITR Form Type Applicability
    ITR 1 ITR 1 is also known as Sahaj. It is a type of ITR form applicable for an individual whose total income from salary, pension, and other sources of income is up to Rs. 50,00,000. Agricultural income up to Rs. 5,000 can also be included in the income particulars while filling this form. However, you must remember that all the salaried employees cannot fill this ITR form to file taxes.
    ITR 2 Those who don’t qualify to fill the ITR 1 form and do not have income related to business profits or professional fees can fill this ITR form.
    ITR 2A This ITR form is for salaried individuals who own more than one house but don’t have any capital gains from them. It means that this ITR form is for those who invest in property for long term capital gains and pay Securities Transaction Tax.
    ITR 3 The individuals who earn from business or professional must use the ITR 3 form while filing IT Return. Those who earn commission, interest, bonus, or salary due to business partnerships must also use this form while filing ITR.
    ITR 4 ITR 4 is also known as Sugam. Businesses, undertakings, professions, and HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) can use this ITR form if their income exceeds Rs. 50,00,000 in a particular financial year. It means that this form is for you if you earn income from profession, business, rental, or salary income.
    ITR 4s Those who have opted for presumptive income scheme according to the Section 44E and Section 44AD of the Income Tax Act can file their IT Return using this form.
    ITR 5 This form is applicable for LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships), business trusts, firms, AJPs (Artificial Juridical Persons), BOIs (Body of Individuals), Estate of Deceased, AOPs (Associate Of Persons), investment funds, and estates of insolvents.
    ITR 6 The companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 or Companies Act 1956 can use the ITR 6 form to file IT Returns. Organisations and firms who do not claim tax exemption under section 11 can also use this form.
    ITR 7 Political parties, NGOs, charitable trusts, religious trusts, universities, schools, colleges, and other types of groups or organisations can use this form to file ITR.

    Note: For more details on different types of ITR forms, one must visit the official website of the Income Tax Department.

    IT Return can be filed via both online and offline processes. Both these processes are detailed below:

    1. Online ITR Filing

      Follow the below steps to file ITR using the online process:
      • Step 1: Go to the Income Tax Department’s official portal. Find the webpage related to the e-filing of the income tax.
      • Step 2: Log into this webpage by using your PAN (Permanent Account Number) and password. If you have not registered on this portal yet, you must create an account first by submitting your relevant details.
      • Step 3: On the e-file tab, you will find the ‘File Income Tax Return’ option. Click on it. Now, select your applicable income category.
      • Step 4: Pick the ITR form applicable to your category and start filling the form with bank details, name, and other particulars.
      • Step 5: Preview the form to cross check the details you have entered. If any changes are incorrect, change them quickly.
      • Step 6: Confirm the details you have submitted and take a print out of that page. Now, mail this copy to the Income Tax Department for verification purposes. It is also possible to verify the Income Tax Returns via your bank account and Aadhaar verification process.
    2. Offline Process

      Follow the below steps to file the ITR using the offline process:
      • Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Department’s official portal. Go to the e-filing webpage as mentioned in the online process.
      • Step 2: Now, click on the ‘Downloads’ page to download the Utility Software. It is a ZIP file.
      • Step 3: Extract the zip file in a folder. Choose the ITR form relevant to your category and start filling all the details.
      • Step 4: After providing all the details in the form save it as an XML file.
      • Step 5: Go through the form quickly and calculate your tax liability. Now, open the Utility Software and log into it using your PAN and password.
      • Step 6: Go to the ‘Income Tax Return’ page and select your ITR form number and assessment year. Now, choose the type of filing as applicable and upload the XML file that you had saved.
      • Step 7: Finally, submit the IT Return after choosing the right verification option.

    Keep These Documents Ready While Filing ITR

    Now that you know ITR meaning and how to file it, let’s go through the list of documents required while filing the ITR:

    1. Form 16: Form 16 is a TDS (Tax Deducted At Source) Certificate that is issued by the employer. It contains all the details related to TDS deductions from your salary. It consists of two parts viz. Part A and Part B.
      Part A contains the details such as your name, your employer’s name, your address, PAN, and details related to TDS. Part B has the details of your salary, deductions claimed, exemptions you qualify for, and payable tax as per your income.
    2. Interest Certificates: An interest certificate contains a breakup of your interest income earned from different sources. So, the interest earned through recurring deposits, FDs, and other forms of savings or deposits are present in this certificate. You have to submit this certificate with your ITR as a proof of your interest income.
    3. Form 16 A: If you receive any income apart from salary, you must provide Form 16 A to provide the TDS details.
    4. AIS: AIS or Annual Information Statement contains all the information of your financial transactions that happened within a particular financial year.
    5. Form 26AS: Form 26AS contains all the tax deductions and deposits tracked against your PAN. It can be downloaded from the income tax website.
    6. Expense/Investment Proofs: Investment receipts, demat account statements, deposit certificates, and other expense and investment certificates must also be submitted while filing ITR.
    7. Bank Details: IFSC number, bank account number, account type, bank name, and other bank details are also to be submitted while filing the IT Return. Aadhaar number is also to be provided in the ITR form.
    8. Foreign Assets: The details of the assets that you may be holding in a foreign country related to your bank account, property, etc. are also to be provided in the ITR form.

    Benefits Of ITR Filing

    The key benefits of ITR filing are mentioned below:

    1. Valid proof of income: Your IT Return acts as a valid proof of income while availing loans or for other financial transactions.
    2. Avoid Penalties: By filing ITR on time, you can avoid penalties. Also, if you fail to file ITR, you can be subject to a legal action taken by the Income Tax Department.
    3. Reduces Tax Liabilities: By filing ITR, you can show the business losses that you suffered in a particular year. These losses can be carried forward to the subsequent years to reduce your tax liabilities.
    4. Refund Claims: If you have paid additional TDS or advance tax, you can file the ITR to claim the refund.
    5. Government Tenders: One of the important prerequisites for participating in government contracts and tenders include ITR filings.
    6. For Nation Building: Paying taxes regularly is an important aspect of nation building as roads, highways, bridges, and many other infrastructural and economic development takes place from that money.

    Conclusion

    A comprehensive financial planning requires smart management of taxes. Filing ITR every year helps you cultivate a discipline that is essential to avoid tax penalties. It also makes you aware of the different taxable income and instruments that can be used to save taxes.

    FAQs

    Expand All Collapse All

    What is ITR?

    Collapsed Expanded

    The full form of ITR is Income Tax Return. It is a form which helps you declare your income, calculate tax liabilities, and claim deductions. Filing the ITR form for every financial year is mandatory for both individuals and businesses.

    Who should file ITR?

    Collapsed Expanded

    Any person whose total income exceeds the exemption limit set by the Indian Tax Department must file ITR. Businesses, professionals, partnership firms, LLPs, trusts, NRIs, and NGOs are also required to file ITR if their income exceeds the stipulated exemption limit.

    What does an ITR file mean?

    Collapsed Expanded

    An ITR file means a document that contains your personal information, income details, exemptions, deductions, and taxes paid in a financial year.

    Can I file ITR if my income is below the taxable limit?

    Collapsed Expanded

    It is not mandatory to IT Return if your income is below the taxable limit. However, if you want to claim refunds or create an income proof to apply for loans, you can file the ITR voluntarily.

    What happens if I don’t file ITR on time?

    Collapsed Expanded

    Upon failing to file ITR on time, you will have to pay a penalty up to Rs. 5000 as per the Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.

    Which documents should I submit during Income Tax Return filing?

    Collapsed Expanded

    The following documents are to be submitted while filing ITR:

    • Aadhaar Card and PAN Card
    • Form 16 if you are a salaried employee
    • Bank account details
    • Investment proofs for claiming deductions
    • TDS Certificates
    • Donation receipts (if applicable)
    • Details of capital gains, interest income, and other sources of income

    How to check the ITR status?

    Collapsed Expanded

    Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department and check the status of ITR filing using your PAN number and password.

    How to claim a tax refund?

    Collapsed Expanded

    A tax refund can be claimed by mentioning it in your ITR form. Once the ITR is filed, the refund will be credited directly to your bank account.

    What is the penalty for filing false information in ITR form?

    Collapsed Expanded

    The penalties can range from 50% to 200% of the tax amount in case you misreport or underreport the details. You may also be subject to legal prosecution depending upon the severity of the false information.

    Disclaimer:

    The aforesaid article presents the view of an independent writer who is an expert on financial and insurance matters. PNB MetLife India Insurance Co. Ltd. doesn’t influence or support views of the writer of the article in any way. The article is informative in nature and PNB MetLife and/ or the writer of the article shall not be responsible for any direct/ indirect loss or liability or medical complications incurred by the reader for taking any decisions based on the contents and information given in article. Please consult your financial advisor/ insurance advisor/ health advisor before making any decision.

    PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited
    Registered office address: Unit No. 701, 702 & 703, 7th Floor, West Wing, Raheja Towers, 26/27 M G Road, Bangalore -560001, Karnataka
    IRDAI Registration number 117 | CIN U66010KA2001PLC028883
    For more details on risk factors, please read the sales brochure and the terms and conditions of the policy, carefully before concluding the sale.
    Tax benefits are as per the Income Tax Act, 1961, & are subject to amendments made thereto from time to time. Please consult your tax consultant for more details.
    Goods and Services Tax (GST) shall be levied as per prevailing tax laws which are subject to change from time to time.
    The marks "PNB" and "MetLife" are registered trademarks of Punjab National Bank and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, respectively. PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited is a licensed user of these marks.
    Call us Toll-free at 1-800-425-6969, Website: www.pnbmetlife.com, Email: indiaservice@pnbmetlife.co.in or Write to us: 1st Floor, Techniplex -1, Techniplex Complex, Off Veer Savarkar Flyover, Goregaon (West), Mumbai – 400062, Maharashtra.

    Beware of Spurious Phone Calls and Fictitious / Fraudulent Offers!
    IRDAI or its officials is not involved in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investments of premium. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint.

     

    Site best viewed in following browsers
    Chrome 70+ , IE 11+, Firefox 76+, Safari 11+

    Get Trusted Advice Get Trusted Advice

    Ask khUshi

    Hi! I’m khUshi. How can I help you?