How to File Your ITR Without a CA: Step-by-Step Guide (AY 2024–25)
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🧾 Introduction: You Can File Your ITR Without a Chartered Accountant!
Gone are the days when filing an income tax return (ITR) required visiting a CA or tax consultant. With India’s digital income tax filing system, you can now file your ITR easily and FREE—from your laptop or even mobile!
Whether you are a salaried employee, freelancer, or small business owner, this post will guide you step-by-step on how to file your ITR without a CA for Assessment Year 2024–25.
✅ Bonus: Tools and platforms are mentioned below to help you e-file quickly.
💡 Estimated time to file: 15–25 minutes (if documents are ready).
📚 What is ITR and Why Should You File It?
ITR (Income Tax Return) is a form used to report your income, deductions, and taxes paid to the Income Tax Department. Filing your return helps:
- Claim TDS refunds
- Avail loan approvals
- Maintain financial records
- Avoid penalties and notices
- Qualify for visa processing
Deadline for AY 2024–25: July 31, 2025
✅ Documents Required to File ITR Without a CA
Before starting the e-filing process, keep these handy:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | Mandatory for filing |
| Aadhaar Card | Required for OTP verification |
| Form 16 | For salaried employees |
| Form 26AS | TDS & tax credit statement |
| Annual Information Statement (AIS) | Full income details |
| Bank account details | For refund credit |
| Investment proofs | Under 80C, 80D, etc. |
| Interest certificates | From banks or post office |
| Capital gains details | (if any) from stocks, mutual funds, real estate |
📎 Download Form 26AS and AIS from: https://incometax.gov.in
🖥️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Your ITR Online Without a CA
Step 1: Create or Login to Your Income Tax Portal Account
- Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Click Login
- Enter PAN and password (create one if new user)
- Verify with OTP (Aadhaar-linked mobile)
Step 2: Check e-Filing Readiness
- Click Dashboard → e-File → Income Tax Return
- Choose AY 2024–25, filing type as Original, and mode as Online
- Select applicable ITR Form:
- ITR-1: Salaried & income < ₹50L (most common)
- ITR-2: Capital gains
- ITR-3: Freelancers/business
- ITR-4: Presumptive taxation
💡 Most salaried individuals should choose ITR-1 (Sahaj).
Step 3: Prefill Your Details
The portal will auto-fill:
- Name, PAN, Aadhaar, mobile, email
- Salary details from Form 16
- TDS from Form 26AS
- Interest income from AIS
✅ Review and edit if needed.
Step 4: Add Income & Deduction Details
- Go to ‘Gross Total Income’ tab
- Add income from salary, interest, rent, capital gains (if applicable)
- Go to ‘Deductions’ tab
- Claim under Section 80C (LIC, PPF, ELSS, etc.), 80D (Mediclaim), 80TTA (interest), etc.
- System shows total taxable income and tax payable/refundable
ALSO READ –7 Best Platforms & Tools to File ITR Without a CA in India (2025)
Step 5: Validate and Preview Return
- Review summary of income, deductions, and taxes
- Fix errors if any red flags
- Click “Proceed to Preview & Submit”
Step 6: e-Verify Return
After submission, e-verify via:
- Aadhaar OTP (instant)
- Net banking
- Bank account-based EVC
- Demat account
📝 You must verify within 30 days to complete filing.
How to File Your ITR Without a CA: Step-by-Step Guide (AY 2024–25)
🔁 How to Revise Return (if any mistakes)
Filed something wrong? No worries!
- Go to Dashboard → e-File → Revised Return
- Select revised reason (e.g., salary data mismatch, forgot deductions)
- Re-submit corrected ITR
💸 Refunds & Processing Time
🧮 Income Tax Slab (FY 2023–24, AY 2024–25)
New Regime:
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – ₹3L | 0% |
| ₹3L – ₹6L | 5% |
| ₹6L – ₹9L | 10% |
| ₹9L – ₹12L | 15% |
| ₹12L – ₹15L | 20% |
| ₹15L+ | 30% |
You can choose between Old Regime (with deductions) and New Regime (without most deductions).
❓ FAQ: Filing ITR Without a CA
Q1. Can a beginner file ITR online without any CA help?
Yes! The Income Tax Portal and tools like ClearTax make it beginner-friendly.
Q2. Is it free to file ITR on the official website?
Yes. No charges if filed directly via incometax.gov.in
Q3. What if I make a mistake?
Just revise your return within the same financial year—no penalty for corrections.
Q4. Should I use the New or Old Tax Regime?
It depends. If you invest in 80C/80D options, old regime may save tax.
🎯 Final Summary: File ITR Without CA – Smart & Free
Filing your ITR without a CA is simple, free, and empowering. With digital tools, auto-filled forms, and clear instructions, most Indian taxpayers can self-file in under 30 minutes.
✅ Save money on CA fees
✅ File from home anytime before July 31, 2025
✅ Claim refunds faster
✅ Build your financial record
🔗 Call to Action
🎉 Ready to file your ITR yourself?
👉 Start FREE e-Filing on ClearTax Now
👉 Download our ITR Checklist PDF
