First-Time ITR Filing? Step-by-Step Guide to Register on the Income Tax E-Filing Portal

If you're filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the first time, don’t worry, you're not alone. The Income Tax Department has shared a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help first-time taxpayers register on the e-Filing portal, making the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Why This Matters: Extended Deadline to File ITR Without Penalty
 

To ease the burden on taxpayers, the CBDT extended the ITR filing deadline for non-audit cases, from salaried individuals to HUFs and freelancers, from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025. This 45-day extension allows more time to prepare and file correctly, but begins once you're registered and ready to go.

How to Register on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal?

Based on the updated guide from LiveMint, here's the detailed and accurate workflow:

Step-by-Step Registration
 

1. Visit the official portal – www.incometax.gov.in and click ‘Register’ at the top right.
    
2. Select ‘Taxpayer’ as the user type and click ‘Continue’.
    
3. Enter your PAN and click ‘Validate’. Ensure your PAN is linked to your Aadhaar.
    
4. Input the one-time password (OTP) sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, then proceed.
    
5. Provide basic details: name, date of birth, gender, residential status.
    
6. Fill in contact information: mobile number, email ID, and address.
    
7. Enter separate OTP codes received on mobile and email, verify them.
    
8. Review all details. If everything is correct, click ‘Confirm’.
    
9. Create a strong password (8–14 characters with upper and lower cases, numbers, and special characters), set a personalised login message, and click ‘Register’.
    
10. Voila! Your e-Filing account is now active. You’ll be redirected to the login page.
     

Tip: The password and login message help verify you’re accessing the authentic portal, protecting you from phishing attempts.

What You’ll Need to Complete Registration?

Prepare these in advance to ensure a seamless process:

• Active PAN (mandatory and must be Aadhaar-linked)
   
• Mobile number registered with Aadhaar and PAN
   
• Email address (valid and accessible)
   

Once registered, you can access services like ITR filing, Form 26AS, e-verification, and more—all online.

What Comes Next? Filing Your ITR

After logging in, head to ‘e-File’,  ‘Income Tax Returns’, then ‘File Income Tax Return’. You can choose between:

• Online mode: Fill in the data directly and submit.
   
• Offline mode (Excel/JSON utility): Download, fill, and upload the generated JSON or Excel file.
   

Once filed, remember to e-verify using OTP, Net Banking, EVC, or other available modes—this finalises your process.

Important Compliance Reminder

Even though the ITR deadline has been extended, self-assessment tax or advance tax liabilities still must be cleared by 31 July 2025 to avoid penal interest. Filing late may attract penalties, up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income ≤ ₹5 lakh) for returns submitted by 31 December 2025, and higher delays may invite further complications.

Conclusion

For first-time filers, registering on the Income Tax e-Filing portal is your gateway to easy, efficient tax compliance. With a clear guide, the right documents, and the extended deadline for non-audit filers, there's no excuse to delay. Just follow the steps, get registered, file before 15 September, and stay on the right side of tax authorities.
 

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