Filing income tax return online

Following is the procedure to file the IT returns online in India and for FREE. The only advantage of filing online for those who do not have a digital signature (One can buy digital signature which costs around Rs 5000/- per year, a very costly proposition for individuals like us.) is that you get 30 days breather to file the final form even if you are filing on the last day and can avoid the queue completely.

1. Fill the form as mentioned in the Income tax website.
2. Download the excel sheet fill in the details from your form 16. You may need to register for the first time.
   
3. In case you do not know the assessing officer in Bangalore, check here
   
4. Validate the sheet and generate the xml file.
   
5. Upload it to the website.
   
6. You can print the ITR-V form (a duplicate which will be sealed and returned to you) and mail it by postal address to Income Tax Department – CPC, Post Bag No - 1, Electronic City Post Office, Bangalore - 560100, Karnataka, ” BY ORDINARY POST ONLY within 30 days.

There are also tax return preparers (TRPs) who prepare the form for around Rs 150/-, submit it to the ITO and get you an acknowledgement. For those who are in south of Bangalore that would be a easier and cheaper option.