Using the Official Website
Before you start the process, keep your bank statements, Form 16 issued by your employer, and a copy of last year's return at hand. Next, log on to www.incometaxindiaefiling .gov.in. Now follow these steps:
Step1: Register yourself on the website. Your permanent account number (PAN) will be your user ID.
Step2: View your tax credit statement – that is, Form 26AS. The statement will reflect the taxes deducted by your employer actually deposited with the IT department. The TDS as per your Form 16 must tally with the figures in Form 26AS. If you file the return despite discrepancies, if any, you could get a notice from the IT department later.
Step 3: Under the 'Download' menu, click on Income Tax Return Forms and choose AY 2014–15 (for financial year 2013–14). Download the Income Tax Return (ITR) form applicable to you. If your exempt income exceeds Rs 5,000, the appropriate form will be ITR-2. If the applicable form is ITR1 or ITR 4S, you can complete the process on the portal itself, by using the 'Quick e-file ITR' link.
Step 4: Open the downloaded Return Preparation Software (Excel utility) and complete the form by entering all the details, using your Form 16.
Step 5: Ascertain the tax payable by clicking the 'Calculate Tax' tab. Pay tax (if applicable) and enter the challan details in the tax return. Step 6: Confirm all the information in the worksheet by clicking the 'Validate' tab. Step 7: Proceed to generate an XML file and save it on your computer. Step 8: Go to 'Upload Return' on the portal's left panel and upload the saved XML file after selecting 'AY 2014–2015' and the relevant form. You will be asked whether you wish to digitally sign the file. If you have obtained a DS (digital signature), select Yes. Otherwise, choose No.
Step 9: Once the website flashes the message about successful e-filing on your screen, you can consider the process to be complete. The acknowledgment form, ITR-Verification (ITR-V), will be generated and you can download it.
Step 10: Take a printout of the form ITR-V , sign it preferably in blue ink, and send it only by ordinary post or Speed Post to Income Tax Department-CPC , Post Bag No. 1 , Electronic City Post Office, Bangalore 560 100, Karnataka, within 120 days of filing your return online.
You will get a receipt of your ITR-V by email in some weeks (takes time). You can track its status on the website as well.