How to File Your ITR Without a CA: Step-by-Step Guide for Salaried Individuals
Is it necessary to visit a chartered accountant (CA) every time you need to file your income tax return (ITR)? The simple answer is no—not if your income sources are straightforward.
If you’re a salaried employee with income limited to your salary, bank interest, rental income, or a few basic investments, you can file your ITR on your own—without hiring a professional.
Thanks to the government’s digital push, the ITR filing process is now more streamlined, transparent, and user-friendly than ever before. You can easily file your return online through the official e-filing portal: incometax.gov.in.
Can You File ITR Without a CA?
According to tax expert Deepesh Chheda, Partner at Dhruva Advisors, the answer is yes. Individuals with a simple income structure—such as salary, house property income, or interest from savings—can easily file their returns without any professional help.
One of the biggest changes in recent years is the introduction of pre-filled ITR forms. These forms automatically fill in your salary details, tax deducted at source (TDS), bank interest, and other relevant financial data. This significantly reduces the need for manual entry and lowers the risk of errors.
Unless your income involves complexities like capital gains, foreign income, or business earnings, you can confidently file your ITR by yourself.
Documents Required to File ITR
Before you begin, gather the following documents:
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PAN Card and Aadhaar Card (ensure they are linked)
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Form 16 (issued by your employer)
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Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) – for details on tax already deposited and financial transactions
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Bank account details (for refund processing)
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Proof of tax-saving investments – like PPF, ELSS, LIC, health insurance, or donation receipts
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Home loan interest certificate (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Without a CA
Follow these steps to file your return online:
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Log in to incometax.gov.in using your PAN as the user ID.
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Go to e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return.
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Select the assessment year 2025–26 and choose the online mode.
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Select the correct ITR form (for salaried individuals, usually ITR-1 Sahaj).
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Review the pre-filled data carefully. Add any extra income or deductions if applicable.
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Check your tax calculation. If tax is payable, complete the payment under Self-Assessment Tax.
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Validate the form, accept the declaration, and submit your return.
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e-Verify your return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other available options.
Important: If you do not complete the e-Verification step, your ITR will be treated as incomplete.
Key ITR Filing Deadlines and Updates
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Last date to file ITR for Assessment Year 2025–26: September 15, 2025
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This deadline applies to individuals whose accounts do not require auditing.
What’s New in 2025?
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If you’re claiming deductions under Sections 80C or 80D, you must provide valid proof.
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The Income Tax Department is increasing transparency and scrutiny—accurate data matters more than ever.
Also read: [New income tax rules 2025: Your ITR may face mandatory review in these 5 cases]
Do You Always Need a CA?
Not anymore. Filing ITR is no longer a complex task. For most salaried individuals, especially those without complicated financials, the process is simple and digital.
As Deepesh Chheda notes, “With the government’s strong focus on data integration and pre-filled returns, most salaried taxpayers can now manage their tax filing independently.”
However, if you earn from the stock market, run a business, or hold foreign assets, it’s wise to consult a CA to avoid any legal or financial issues.
Final Thoughts
Filing your income tax return yourself is now not just possible—it’s practical. If your income profile is simple, you don’t need to depend on anyone. Just gather the right documents, follow the online steps, and file your return from the comfort of your home.
Self-filing your ITR isn’t just a way to save money—it’s a valuable digital life skill. Take control this tax season, and experience how easy it is to be self-reliant.
