E-Filing of Income Tax Returns refers to the process of submitting your income tax returns online to the Income Tax Department. Instead of physically submitting documents, taxpayers can file their returns electronically through the official e-filing portal or other authorized platforms.

Anyone whose total annual income exceeds the exemption limit of ₹2.5 lakh (₹3 lakh for senior citizens and ₹5 lakh for super senior citizens) must file an ITR. In addition, even if your income is below the limit, you may need to file if:

• You want to claim a tax refund.

• You have multiple income sources, such as salary, business income, or capital gains.

• You are a freelancer, self-employed, or a property owner.

• You want to claim deductions or exemptions (e.g., under sections 80C, 80D).

• You are an NRI earning income in India.

E-filing offers convenience, faster processing, and quicker refunds. It also reduces errors through automated calculations and provides instant acknowledgment of receipt.

Key documents include PAN, Aadhaar, Form 16 (for salaried individuals), bank statements, investment proofs, details of other income sources (like rent or capital gains), and TDS certificates.

Yes, salaried individuals can file their ITR without Form 16 by using salary slips, bank statements, and Form 26AS to compute their income and taxes paid.

Missing the deadline can lead to a late filing fee of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F. Additionally, you may lose the opportunity to carry forward certain losses and face interest on any unpaid tax dues.

Typically, refunds are processed within 7 to 30 days post e-verification. However, the duration can vary based on the complexity of the return and the verification process.

You can verify your ITR electronically using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Alternatively, you can send a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bangalore within 30 days of e-filing.

Yes, if you discover any errors or omissions in your filed ITR, you can file a revised return before the end of the relevant assessment year.