ITR Filing for Salaried Employees: Step-by-Step Guide for FY 2025–26

It is that time of the year again. Your HR department has finally emailed your Form 16, the July 31st deadline is flashing on the news, and your colleagues are debating whether the New Tax Regime is actually better.

For the millions of salaried employees in India, filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) can feel like a stressful annual chore. But it doesn't have to be. With the Income Tax portal's new pre-filled data features and a bit of guidance, filing your ITR for FY 2025–26 (Assessment Year 2026–27) can be a breeze.

At VJR Advisory Group, we simplify taxes for thousands of salaried professionals. Whether you are sticking to the default New Regime or claiming deductions under the Old Regime, here is your ultimate, step-by-step guide to filing your ITR flawlessly.

1. The "Don't Panic" Document Checklist 🗂️

Before you even open the Income Tax portal, gather your tools. Filing without having all your documents in front of you is the easiest way to make a mistake.

1. Form 16 (Part A & Part B): This is the Holy Grail provided by your employer. It shows your exact salary breakdown and the TDS (tax) they deducted.
2. Form 26AS: Your tax passbook. It proves that the TDS your company deducted was actually deposited with the government.
3. AIS (Annual Information Statement): The master record. It shows your salary, savings account interest, FD interest, and any stock market transactions.
4. Investment Proofs: If you opted for the Old Regime, keep your rent receipts, home loan interest certificates, and 80C/80D receipts handy just in case they weren't submitted to your HR.

2. The First Hurdle: Which ITR Form Are You? 🤔

Salaried employees usually fall into one of two buckets. Choosing the wrong form will result in a "Defective Return" notice, so choose carefully!

3. The 5-Step Guide to Filing Your ITR 🚀

Ready? Let’s log into the e-Filing portal (eportal.incometax.gov.in) and get this done.

Step 1: Check the Pre-Filled Data

The portal is incredibly smart today. When you start your ITR, your salary data, employer details, and bank interest will likely be "pre-filled."

• Your Job: Cross-check the pre-filled salary figure with your Form 16 (Part B). Make sure they match to the exact rupee.

Step 2: Select Your Tax Regime

This year, the New Tax Regime is the default.

• If you want to claim your standard deduction of ₹75,000 and pay zero tax on income up to ₹7.75 Lakhs, stick with the New Regime.
• If you have massive deductions (HRA, Home Loan Interest, 80C, 80D) and want to use the Old Regime, you must manually select "Opt Out of New Tax Regime" on the portal.

Step 3: The AIS Reconciliation (MANDATORY)

Do not skip this step! The government’s AI matches your ITR against your Annual Information Statement (AIS).

• Look at your AIS for hidden income, especially Savings Account Interest.
• Add up the interest from all your bank accounts and declare it under "Income from Other Sources". (Note: If you use the Old Regime, you can claim a deduction of up to ₹10,000 on this interest under Section 80TTA).

Step 4: Claim Missing Deductions

Did you forget to submit your final LIC premium or PPF receipt to your HR in January? Don't worry!

• Your Form 16 won't show it, but you can manually add these deductions on the ITR portal right now (provided you selected the Old Regime). Keep the receipts safe, as the department may ask for them later.

Step 5: Submit and E-Verify 🚨

Once the portal calculates your final tax (or refund), hit submit. But you are not done yet!

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: My company didn't deduct any TDS because my salary is below ₹7.75 Lakhs. Do I still need to file? A: Yes. If your gross income (before any deductions) is above the basic exemption limit (₹3 Lakhs in the New Regime), you are legally required to file an ITR, even if your tax payable is zero.

Q: I switched jobs this year and have two Form 16s. What do I do? A: You must consolidate the data! Add the gross salary from both Form 16s together. Do not just file using your current employer's Form 16, or the IT portal will instantly catch the missing income via your AIS.

Q: How long does it take to get my tax refund? A: If you e-verify immediately and have pre-validated your bank account on the portal, refunds are typically processed within 15 to 45 days.

Don't Let Tax Anxiety Ruin Your Weekend. Let VJR Advisory Group Help!

Filing your own taxes is great until you hit a wall—like a mismatch between your Form 16 and AIS, deciding between ITR-1 and ITR-2 for stock investments, or figuring out how to declare multiple employers.

At VJR Advisory Group, our Chartered Accountants specialize in helping salaried professionals optimize their taxes. We ensure 100% data matching, correct regime selection, and maximum legitimate refunds.