ITR Updates: Here's How To Use Offline Filing Utility On Income Tax Portal

Income Tax Portal 

It is possible now to file the Income Tax Return (ITR) offline, by using a tool called the 'Offline Utility'. 

Things Required Before Starting 

One is required to register as a user on the income tax e-filing portal. A valid user ID along with correct offline utility, whether it is for ITR-1 to ITR-4 or other ITR forms, if required.

Offline Utility

After the ITR is filed, a taxpayer can go under the 'Download' section, select the assessment year and click on the link under 'Common Offline Utility (ITR 1 to ITR 4). After download is complete, ZIP file can be taken out and utility can be installed on the device. 

File ITR Using Offline Utility

The first step is to import data and draft ITR filled using Excel or HTML utilities. Then, one must select the correct status and pick the ITR form. 

Step 2

After selecting the form, one can move ahead with the next window that requires key personal information like income deductions, and other necessary details. 

Step 3 

Before moving on to submission, a tax computation summary appears on the screen, and one can either 'Pay Now' and fill in payment details immediately or 'Pay Later'.

Step 4

Offline Utility checks errors automatically and guides a person to the problem area for quick corrections.

Step 5 

Once everything is checked, one can proceed with the verification and 'Upload Return' on the e-filing portal. E-verifying the return is a mandatory process. 

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