Smart & Simple 2025 Guide: How to File ITR for the First Time in India
Introduction
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) can feel overwhelming, especially when you need to file ITR for the first time in India, whether you’re a student, freelancer, or young professional.
The filing process often looks as a way like it’s overwhelming, however, it is much easier to do than you think, especially with this blog’s step-by-step guide on how to file income tax return online in India 2025, you will be able to file your tax returns like a breeze.
This guide is designed for students, freshers, and first-time salaried employees. It will look only into your process of returning the income taxes and helping you to manage your own legal slab in India.
Table of Contents
What is an Income Tax Return (ITR), and Why Is It Important to File?
To proceed with the process, you first need to understand what an ITR is.
Normally, Income Tax Return (ITR) or ITR is a form or a statement that an individual submits to the Income Tax Department, helps them declare their total annual income, deductions, and tax paid. It basically works as proof that you have paid your taxes, with a list of your annual income and how cleverly you have deducted your own claims. It’s a legal way to show how much you earned and whether you owe any taxes or are eligible for a refund.
Why Filing ITR Is Important:
- ITR is mandatory only if your income crosses the basic exemption limit.
- It also supports loan eligibility and faster credit card approvals
- Visa processing in many countries looks for a proper ITR filing.
- Helps to claim proper TBS refunds (if the tax was deducted from your salary or bank interest).
Common ITR Filing Myths Debunked
“I don’t earn much, so probably I don’t need to file.” Even if you don’t earn much or if your income is below the limit, filing is still helpful, which supports the claim of refunds as well as building an ethical financial record.
“I can’t file ITR because I don’t pay taxes.” – That’s not how it works. You must file even if there is no tax payable.
Types of ITR Forms Explained
This section just gives more depth to your knowledge and helps you to understand how to choose the right form for your needs.
First of all, you need to understand that there are multiple ITR forms that can confuse you as a first-time filer. Some of the most relevant ones are:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj)
This form is specifically for the salaried individual who has an income, surprisingly up to 50 lacs. This also includes income from a single house property, salary, pension, or bank interest.
- ITR-2
This is the second type of ITR, which explains the form type to be for people with capital gains as well as multiple properties. This form goes to the second level, where you have a wealthier gain or you have a foreign income in your hands.
- ITR-3 & ITR-4
This type of ITR combines both 3 and 4 forms, going a little above the second type, where they mostly target the business owners, freelancers, or any individual who is under presumptive taxation. (Section 44ADA for professionals)
“Mostly, if you’re a student or a first-jobber earning part-time, ITR-1 or ITR-4 is likely the right form.”
Who Should File Income Tax Return in India for FY 2024–25?
If you are planning to file ITR for the first time in India for FY 2024–25, understanding your eligibility and the correct form is the first step.
- The filing of ITR depends on various factors, which can be aligned as per the Income Tax Act for the financial year 2024-2025, stating that you must file ITR if
- Your total income exceeds 2.5 lakhs, which is to be an individual or below 60 years.
- You receive your income from a number of employers.
- Freelancers and business owners also need to file ITR.
- You want to claim a tax refund.
- You have deposited over 1 crore in a bank account or incurred a high expense, which can be a travel or a credit card.
- You earn income from foreign sources or cryptocurrency in India.
ITR Filing Guide for Students and Freshers
- If your earnings are from an internship, freelancing, or any part-time jobs.
- If TDS was deducted on any of your payments, for example, bank or FD interest
- If you are a good student and get a scholarship with a stipend, sometimes they are taxable.
Documents Required to File ITR for the First Time
Now onto the main and the most eager part. What are the essential documents required to file your ITR for the first time?
- PAN card, mandatory for all tax-related activities.
- Aadhaar card, which is linked to the active phone number for proper authentication.
- Form 16, only if you are a salaried employee (provided by your employer).
- Bank account statement – to verify interest income and other transactions.
- TDS certificate, 16A, and 26AS form.
- Investment proof, ELSS, tuition fees, salary slip, anything.
- Rent receipts (for HRA claims).
- Crypto or stock statements (if dealing with them)
Tip: “If you want a pre-filled data – Login to the Income Tax Portal and download Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Info Statement)”
Downloadable ITR Filing Checklist
Want a ready-made checklist to avoid missing documents?
Download ITR Checklist PDF (2025)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File ITR for the First Time in India (2025)
- Visit the Income Tax portal, then follow these steps
Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in. This is the official government portal for e-filing.
- Log in or register using your PAN and Aadhaar
New users need to log in or register securely on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
- Navigate to: “e-File > Income Tax Return (ITR) > File ITR”
- Select the Correct ITR Form
- ITR-1 (Sahaj) – for salary, pension, one house property, bank interest
- ITR-4 – for freelancers or businesses under presumptive tax
- Fill in Personal and Income Details
- Enter name, DOB, address, employer type, salary income, and deductions.
- Add income details, deductions, and bank info
- Upload Form 16 and Other Proofs
- This auto-fills most income fields if uploaded on the portal.
- Preview and Submit the Return
- Carefully review your income, deductions, and tax computation.
- E-Verify Your Return (Use any of these)
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- Demat/Bank account
- Send a signed form to CPC Bangalore (offline method)
- ❌ Paper verification (send signed form to CPC Bengaluru only if the digital method fails)
Pro Tip: Use platforms like ClearTax or Tax2Win for easy and accurate e-filing
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing ITR for the First Time
- Entering incorrect PAN or Aadhaar details. (These details are your own personal credentials. Don’t enter them wrong.)
- Choose the ITR form wrong. (If you choose form 2 instead of form 1, it’s never gonna work.)
- Not claiming eligible deductions like 80C, 80D.
- Forgetting to e-verify after submission. (Verification is very important)
- Waiting till the last date of filing.
How to Check Your ITR Status and Refund
- Check ITR Status:
- Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in → Login (To check your ITR status online in India, visit the official income tax portal)
- After Login go to the Dashboard
- Click “e-file” > “Income Tax Return (ITR)s” > “View Filed Returns”
- You’ll see the status: Submitted, Processed, Rejected, or Refund Issued
- To claim a refund:
- Ensure bank details are correct and pre-validated
- Check the refund status on the NSDL or IT portal
- Wait for 7-15 working days because it usually takes that long
- If rejected, find the reasons and then revise the ITR if needed.
Benefits of Filing Your ITR Early in India
- Lastly, I am giving you the best advice on why you should file your ITR early with the key benefits it brings:.
- To check your ITR status online in India, visit the official income tax portal.
- Filing early will give you faster processing → quicker refunds.
- If rejected or make mistakes, you will get more time to amend them.
- Saves you the last-minute panic.
- Also, build credibility with banks, visa authorities, and employers.
- No tension on the last date of filing
Conclusion
Filing ITR can be complex for the first time, which will make you feel overwhelmed as well as confused. But it is the most important passage into adulthood, as well as understanding your financial responsibility. This blog helps you understand and manage your tax responsibilities in simple language. Whether you’re a student or a first-time earner, learning how to file ITR for the first time in India empowers you to take control of your personal finances. This guide also helps students earning part-time, first-jobbers, and anyone doing freelancing or gig work in India. This is a Universal information-sharing blog that helps different individuals to be responsible for their Personal finances and provides them with the tools to do it in the right way.
Start today using trusted e-filing portals or the government platform.
File Now with ClearTax
Or Use Tax2Win for Assisted Filing
Take charge of your financial future, start filing your ITR today!
Whether you’re using the government portal or platforms like ClearTax or Tax2Win, there’s no better time to get started.
👉 Ready to dive deeper?
Check out my previous blogs for powerful tips on passive income and budgeting, because smart money moves begin with smart learning.
FAQs
Q: What is the deadline for filing ITR in India for FY 2024–25?
A: For ITR FY 2024 to 20-25 is 31st July 2025 for most individual taxpayers.
Q: Can I file ITR without Form 16 if I changed jobs or lost it?
A: Yes, you can file ITR without the Form 16, through your Salary slips or bank account statement and Form 26AS to report income and calculate taxes.
Q: Is it mandatory to file ITR if my income is below ₹2.5 lakhs?
A: No, it is not mandatory, however, filing is strongly recommended to give you the benefits of building income proof and claim refunds.
Q: What happens if I miss the ITR filing deadline in 2025?
A: If you miss the 31st July deadline, a belated return can be made by 31st December 2025. This process may lead to a penalty of 1000 to 5000 rupees under section 234F.
Q: Do I need to hire a CA to file my ITR?
A: No, you don’t need to higher a CA for basic filing, you can file by going through the official website and following every step simply provided to you in the blog.
Q: Can students file ITR? What if I earn from freelancing or YouTube?
A: Yes, students can and should file ITR—even if the income comes from freelancing, YouTube, or side gigs.
Q: How can I check if my ITR has been processed?
A: Go to the official website and navigate to ‘View Filed Returns’ to check your status.
The detailed steps can be found here
Q: Can I revise my ITR after submission?
A: Yes, you can revise your ITR after the submission if you made a mistake, no penalty unless it was a case of under-reporting or fraud.
Q: What deductions can I claim under 80C, 80D, etc., to reduce tax?
A: You can claim various directions, such as
Section 80C: ELSS, PPF, LIC, Tax-saving FDs (limit: ₹1.5 lakh)
Section 80D: Health insurance premiums
Section 80E: Education loan interest
Section 80U: Disability-related deductions
Q: Which ITR form should I use as a first-time taxpayer in 2025?
A:
ITR-1 for salaried individuals with an income of 50 lacs
ITR-4 for freelancers or students under presumptive taxation.
