Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is compulsory for all individuals whose annual income crosses the basic exemption threshold. The Income Tax Department has now extended the last date for filing ITR without penalty to September 15.
To begin the process, taxpayers need to register themselves on the official e-filing website — www.incometax.gov.in. First-time filers must create an account on the portal, whether they are salaried employees or running a business.
Anyone holding a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) can register on the e-filing portal. Once registered, users get access to multiple tax-related services, making it convenient to file returns, check details, and manage their tax records online without physically visiting an office.
To create an account on the e-filing portal, keep the following ready:
A valid PAN
An active mobile number
A working email ID
The registration is linked to your PAN and the mobile number you provide. Remember, every PAN has to be registered separately.
Step 1: Visit the e-filing homepage and click on Register.
Step 2: Select "Register as a taxpayer," enter your PAN, and click on Validate. If the PAN is invalid or already registered, an error message will appear.
Step 3: Fill in the required details — name, date of birth/incorporation, gender (if applicable), and residential status — exactly as per your PAN, and click Continue.
Step 4: Provide your contact details — mobile number, email ID, and address. Then click Continue.
Step 5: You will receive two separate OTPs (one on your registered mobile and another on your email). Enter both OTPs to proceed.
Step 6: Review the information entered, make corrections if needed, and click Confirm.
Step 7: Create a secure password, re-enter it for confirmation, add a personalized message, and then click Register.
Step 8: Once registration is complete, click Proceed to Login to access your account and start filing your ITR.
With this registration, taxpayers can seamlessly manage their income tax filing online, track returns, and access essential tax services — all in one place.