How to File ITR-1 Online for FY 2021-22: A Comprehensive Guide

As a taxpayer in India, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest procedures for filing your Income Tax Returns (ITRs). One of the most common and convenient ways to file your returns is through the Income Tax Department's ITR-1 form, which pertains to the income from salary. Starting from the financial year 2021-22 (FY 2021-22), the process has been significantly streamlined to enable more efficient and user-friendly online filing.

Submitting ITR-1 Digitally

A taxpayer can submit the ITR-1 form digitally, either through an entirely online method or through a partially online and partly offline process. Let's explore how to go about filing your ITR-1 online for the fiscal year 2021-22.

Entirely Online Method

Filing the ITR-1 form entirely online comes with several benefits, including pre-filled information for personal details, salary, dividends, and interest. This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of errors. Follow these steps to file your return using the entirely online method:

Access the Official Portal: Log in to the official Income Tax Department website. Choose Option ITR-1: Navigate to the section for filing returns and select ITR-1 specifically. Pre-Fill Information: Use the pre-filled information feature to save time. Personal details, salary, dividends, and interest information will likely be pre-filled if you're updating your previous return. Data Verification: Carefully verify the pre-filled information to ensure accuracy. Submit and Pay: After verifying your data, review the form and submit it. Pay any due taxes using the secure payment gateway. Receipt and Confirmation: Once the return is submitted, you will receive a confirmation receipt and a reference number for your records.

Partial Online and Partly Offline Method

For those who prefer a hybrid approach, the partially online and partly offline method requires an additional step. You must download the JSON utility from the new income tax portal to complete the process. Here are the details:

Download JSON Utility: Go to the official portal and download the JSON utility specific to ITR-1. This tool helps transfer data to and from the tax portal. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including a PAN Card, employer-issued Form 16 for the given financial year, receipts proof for certain exemptions or deductions, and bank investment certificates. Fill the ITR-1 Form: Open the JSON utility and fill in the ITR-1 form, manually entering the required details that were not pre-filled. Submit the Form: Upload the completed form and proceed with the tax payment. Confirmation and Receipt: After submission, follow the confirmation process to ensure that your return has been received and processed.

Required Documents for ITR-1

To ensure a smooth and error-free filing process, it is crucial to have the following documents in hand:

PAN Card: Your personal Permanent Account Number (PAN) is required to identify your tax return. Form 16 from Employers: This form, issued by your employer, contains details of salary, HRA, and other allowances for the given financial year. Receipts and Proof: Receipts and proof for certain exemptions and deductions, such as Rent Allowances (RA) claims, 80C or 80D deductions. Bank Investment Certificates: Certificates for bank investments, interest from bank accounts, passbook/Fixed Deposit (FD) certificates.

Steps for Filing the Online ITR-1 for Salary Individuals

For individuals filing an ITR-1 for salary income, the following steps are recommended to ensure a hassle-free filing process:

Review Your Salary: Ensure that your salary details, including deductions and additions, are correct. This will simplify the tax calculation process. Check for Update Requests: Sometimes, the tax department will request updates on certain details. Be aware of these and address them promptly. Use a Tax Preparation Tool: Consider using a tax preparation tool or software to ensure the accuracy of your calculations and the completeness of your return. Double-Check Your Data: Before submitting your return, double-check all the entered data to avoid any mistakes. Save Copies of Your Return: Keep digital copies of your filed return and any communication with the tax department.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your ITR-1 filing for the fiscal year 2021-22 is accurate, efficient, and compliant with all necessary regulations.