How to File Your ITR Without a CA – Step-by-Step Guide (Free & Easy)

Yes, you can absolutely file your Income Tax Return (ITR) yourself—no need to hire a Chartered Accountant (CA) if your finances are straightforward.

Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to file your ITR online for free using the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

📝 Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you begin, keep these handy:

• PAN card

• Aadhaar card

• Form 16 (from your employer, if salaried)

• Bank account details

• Interest certificates (from FDs, savings, etc.)

• Investment proofs (for deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.)

• Form 26AS (summary of TDS and taxes paid)

🔐 Step 2: Login to the e-Filing Portal

1. Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in

2. Click “Login” (or Register if you’re a new user)

3. Use your PAN number as the user ID

🧾 Step 3: Start Filing Your Return

1. Choose “File Income Tax Return”

2. Select the relevant Assessment Year (e.g., AY 2025–26 for FY 2024–25)

3. Choose:

   • Online mode

   • Individual

   • Appropriate ITR form (usually ITR-1 for salaried individuals)

🔍 Step 4: Pre-fill and Verify Your Details

The portal will auto-fill many fields using Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement).
Cross-check all details with your Form 16, bank statements, and interest certificates.

💸 Step 5: Declare Deductions (if any)

Under the “Tax Deductions” section, add:

• Section 80C: LIC, PPF, ELSS, EPF, tuition fees, etc.

• Section 80D: Health insurance premiums

• Section 80TTA/TTB: Interest on savings account

• Home loan interest (if applicable)

🧮 Step 6: Preview & Calculate Tax

• Review your total income, deductions, and tax payable/refund

• If you owe tax, pay it using Challan 280

• Note down the BSR Code and Challan Number after payment

📲 Step 7: Submit & e-Verify

1. Click “Submit”

2. Complete e-Verification using one of the following:

   • Aadhaar OTP

   • Net banking

   • Bank account/Demat validation

📌 Important: Your return is not processed unless e-verified.

🤔 Do You Really Need a CA?

Not everyone needs to hire a CA. Here’s when you can skip it—and when you shouldn’t.

✅ You DON’T Need a CA If:

• You’re a salaried employee with one Form 16

• You don’t own a business or multiple properties

• You don’t have foreign income or foreign assets

• You don’t have capital gains from shares, crypto, or property

• You’re not claiming complex deductions or carrying forward losses

👉 In such cases, use the Income Tax Portal or affordable services like EzyMoneyDeals.

✅ You SHOULD Consider a CA (at EzyMoneyDeals) If:

• You’re self-employed or own a business

• You have income from multiple sources (rent, trading, freelancing)

• You need to file for capital gains tax (from stocks, mutual funds, crypto, property)

• You want to carry forward losses

• You’re facing scrutiny, notices, or delayed refunds

• You want to optimize tax savings legally

In these situations, a CA from EzyMoneyDeals ensures accurate filing, avoids penalties, and may even reduce your tax bill.

💰 Cost Comparison

🔚 Bottom Line

• ✅ Simple tax case? File it yourself—save money.

• ✅ Semi-complex case? Use a platform like EzyMoneyDeals.

• ✅ Complex tax situation? Hire a CA through EzyMoneyDeals for peace of mind.