Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a legal requirement for anyone earning above the basic exemption limit. To make the process easier for taxpayers, the Income Tax Department has extended the deadline to file your ITR without facing any penalties. You now have time until September 15, 2025 to complete your filing if your income exceeds the exemption threshold. This extension offers a great opportunity to ensure your return is filed accurately and on time.

Why Registration on the Income Tax Portal is Important

Before filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), you must register on the official e-filing portal: www.incometax.gov.in. This step is essential for both salaried and self-employed individuals. Here’s why it’s important

– Mandatory for Filing Returns

You cannot file your ITR unless you are registered on the portal.

– Easy Access to Tax Services

Once registered, you can file returns, check refund status, download Form 26AS, and more—all online.

– Secure Your Tax Profile

Registration links your PAN to your profile, ensuring that your tax information stays safe and accessible only to you.

– Track Past Returns and Notices

Easily view past filings, responses to notices, and communication from the Income Tax Department in one place.

– No Need to Visit a Tax Office

Manage everything digitally—anytime, anywhere—without standing in long queues or visiting an office.

ITR Filing: What You Need to Register on the E-Filing Portal

Getting started with ITR filing is simple! To register on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, you only need three basic things:

– A valid and active PAN (Permanent Account Number)

– An active mobile number

– A valid email ID

Your registration is linked to your PAN and the mobile number you provide during the process. If you have more than one PAN in the family (for example, for your spouse or parents), remember that each PAN must be registered separately.

How to Register on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal (for ITR Filing)

Follow these simple steps to register on the e-Filing portal:

Step 1: Visit the e-Filing Portal

Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website:

https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
Click on the ‘Register’ button.

Step 2: Enter Your PAN

Select the option ‘Register as a Taxpayer’ and enter your PAN number.
Click ‘Validate’.

If your PAN is already registered or incorrect, you’ll see an error message.

Step 3: Fill in Basic Details

Enter your basic information like:

– Full Name

– Date of Birth (DOB) or Date of Incorporation (DOI)

– Gender (if applicable)

– Residential Status (as per your PAN)

– Click ‘Continue’ once done.

Step 4: Provide Contact Information

After your PAN is validated, you’ll be asked to enter your contact details:

– Primary Mobile Number

– Email ID

– Address

– Click ‘Continue’ to move ahead.

Step 5: Verify with OTPs

You’ll receive two separate 6-digit OTPs—one on your mobile and one on your email.
Enter both OTPs in the respective fields and click ‘Continue’.