31 July deadline approaching - can i e-file my tax return myself

With the cumbersome documentations and complex procedures, filing the taxes on your own was always a nightmare.More so forced by the nuisances of obtaining the tax refund, taxpayers has been using the services of tax consultants for assistance.With the advent of IT and various government efforts, has the position changed?

The Government has vide a Notification No.6/2008 dated 18 July 2008, instructed the taxpayers and tax offices to ensure that annexure-less tax returns are only filed. That means no disallowance of claim for TDS/TCS shall be made by the assessing officer only on the ground that the TDS/TCS certificates have not been filed along with the return of income or Form ITR-V. The same procedure shall also apply in respect of challans relating to Advance Tax and Self Assessment Tax.However it is the duty of taxpayer to maintain the necessary documents in his file and produce it whenever asked for.This is definitely going to make life easier for taxpayer as well as government.

Let us now look at the e-filing portal of the Government.Do not get misled by other similar portals.

1. Register. For registering all you need is PAN Number.Click here to find out how to apply PAN card/number online and receive it in 14 days.
2. Login with your PAN no and password.
3. Download the ITR-1 form pertaining to your status, for eg- individuals would click on https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/portal/individual_huf.do
4. Fill the form based on your Form 16 and other income details.It is suggested that you prepare a tax computation statement and keep all details with you, before proceeding with e-filing
5. Cross verify the form for correctness.
6. Generate barcode
7. Generate .xls(the excel file) and save on your system.
8. Click on submit return.
9. Browse .xls file from the system
10. In case you have a digital signature(this is optional) select the adjacent box to digitally sign the tax return.
11. Click Upload
    
12. Generate your copy of acknowledgment ITR-V
    
13. For taxpayers without digital signature, lodge the copy of ITR-V within 14 days at your designated tax office.
    

Click here for more details on how to file your return