Tax
How to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the First Time
HomeFin · 24 November 2025 · 7 min read
Quick answer
Filing your first ITR: register on the e-filing portal, gather Form 16, 26AS/AIS and deduction proofs, pick the right form (usually ITR-1 for salaried), fill income and deductions, submit, and e-verify. It's far simpler than it looks — most salaried returns take under an hour.
Filing your first income tax return feels like a rite of passage into adulthood — and a slightly intimidating one. But for most salaried people, it's genuinely straightforward. Here's a plain-English, step-by-step guide.
Do you need to file?
You generally must file if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit. Even below it, filing is wise — it lets you claim refunds on excess tax deducted, builds an income record that loan and visa applications need, and keeps you compliant. When in doubt, file.
Step 1: Gather your documents
- Form 16 from your employer (salary and TDS details).
- Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) — the tax department's record of your income and tax.
- Bank statements and interest certificates.
- Proofs for deductions — 80C investments, insurance premiums, rent for HRA, home-loan interest.
- PAN and Aadhaar.
Step 2: Register and log in
Register on the income tax e-filing portal using your PAN, then log in. First-timers create an account; after that you simply sign in each year.
Step 3: Choose the right form
Most salaried individuals with straightforward income use ITR-1 (Sahaj). Those with capital gains, business income or multiple properties need other forms. The portal often pre-fills much of your data from Form 16 and AIS, which makes this easier.
Step 4: Fill, verify, submit
Enter your income and claim your deductions (choosing your regime). The portal computes your tax or refund. Check everything against your documents, pay any balance tax due, and submit.
Step 5: E-verify — don't skip this
Filing isn't complete until you e-verify the return (via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other options). An unverified return is treated as not filed, so do this immediately after submitting.
Make next year effortless
The pain of ITR is scrambling for proofs. Keep your investments, insurance premiums, rent and home-loan interest organised through the year — HomeFin keeps them in one place — and filing becomes a quick, calm summary rather than an annual scramble. File on time, e-verify, and you're done.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file my ITR for the first time?
Register on the income tax e-filing portal, gather your documents (Form 16, Form 26AS/AIS, bank and investment details), choose the correct ITR form (usually ITR-1 for salaried), fill in your income and deductions, verify the tax, submit, and e-verify to complete filing.
Who needs to file an income tax return?
You generally must file if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit, and it's advisable even below that to claim refunds, build a record for loans and visas, and stay compliant.
What documents do I need to file ITR?
Form 16 from your employer, Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS), bank statements, interest certificates, investment and insurance proofs for deductions, and your PAN and Aadhaar.
What happens if I don't file my ITR?
You may face penalties, interest on any tax due, and lose the chance to claim refunds or carry forward losses. Missing filing can also complicate loan and visa applications that require ITR records.
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