Your seven step guide to e-file your income tax returns before July 31 deadline

It is now that time of the year when taxpayers rush to file their annual Income Tax Returns (ITRs) before the July 31 deadline. With less than a fortnight left, here is a quick guide to help you e-file your returns for a smooth and hassle-free exercise:

1. Step 1: Log onto https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/ and create an account using your PAN number. Fill in personal details.  
2. Step 2: Choose the correct income tax return (ITR) form from the download section. ITR-1 can be filed by individuals having income from salaries, one house property and from other sources including interest. ITR-2 is filed by Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) not having income from business or profession while ITR-2A by those individuals and HUFs who do not have income from business.
3. Step 3: Open excel utility (the downloaded return preparation software) and fill out the form by entering all details using your Form 16.
4. Step 4: This section is followed by a sub-section where you have to provide the details of investments which have been made by you and are eligible for tax exemptions.
5. Step 5: The next section would take you to Tax Details. For salaried employees, this section is pre-filled by the Income-Tax Department. The user has to merely cross-check the available data with their Form 16. For non-salaried tax payers, the details have to be entered by the user.
6. Step 6: Fill in the details and then click the submit button. After submission, acknowledgement detail is displayed.
7. Step 7: Click on the link to view or generate a printout of acknowledgement/ITR V form.