Do I need to file an ITR if my employer already deducted TDS?
Yes if your gross total income is above the basic exemption limit, which is ₹2.5 lakh in the old regime and ₹4 lakh in the new regime for FY 2025-26. TDS does not replace a return. Even below the limit, filing is the only way to claim a refund of excess TDS.
Can I file my return without Form 16?
Yes. Salary slips, bank statements, AIS and Form 26AS together can build the salary figure, and your employer's TDS appears in Form 26AS. Form 16 is easier and gives the break-up, so we request it, but a missing or late Form 16 is not a reason to miss the due date.
How is HRA claimed in the return?
HRA exemption is the lowest of actual HRA received, rent paid minus 10% of salary, and 50% (metro) or 40% (non-metro) of salary. It is available only in the old regime. If your annual rent exceeds ₹1 lakh, the landlord's PAN is needed.
How are ESOPs and RSUs taxed for an employee?
The value at exercise or vesting, less any price you paid, is taxed as salary perquisite and TDS is deducted by the employer. When you later sell the shares, the difference from that value is capital gains, taxed as short or long term depending on holding period.
How long does an income tax refund take?
After you e-verify, the department processes the return and issues the refund to your pre-validated bank account. Many refunds arrive within a few weeks but timing varies with the return and any mismatch. We check the processing status and respond if the portal raises an adjustment.
What if I find a mistake after filing?
A revised return under section 139(5) can be filed, generally until 31 December of the assessment year, to correct errors or add missed income. An updated return is available later with additional tax. Tell us as soon as you notice, because corrections are cheaper when done early.
What is the last date to file an income tax return?
For individuals and HUFs who do not need an audit, the usual due date is 31 July after the financial year ends. Cases needing a tax audit normally get 31 October, and companies with transfer pricing reports 30 November. The government sometimes extends dates, so we confirm the notified date for your year before we start.
What happens if I miss the ITR due date?
You can still file a belated return under section 139(4), generally until 31 December of the assessment year, but with a late fee under section 234F (₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh) and interest under 234A. Most losses cannot be carried forward in a belated return, which can cost more than the fee itself.
Do I need to e-verify my return after filing?
Yes. A return is treated as filed only after e-verification, which must be completed within 30 days of filing. You can verify with Aadhaar OTP, net banking, a pre-validated bank account or a demat account. We guide you through it and confirm the processed status on the portal afterwards.
