Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online for the year 2025–26 is simple and does not take much time. You can do it easily on the official income tax website from your home. If you live in Bangalore, your return is usually processed faster and the refund is received sooner. This guide is written for salary employees, freelancers, and families in Bangalore. It helps you understand how to file your return properly and save tax in a city where living costs are high.
For AY 2025-26, the original ITR filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers (like most salaried individuals) was extended to September 16, 2025 due to updates in ITR forms and system enhancements. Audit cases (e.g., businesses) have until October 31, 2025, and transfer pricing reports until November 30, 2025. Revised returns are allowed till December 31, 2025.
Bengalore ITR Filing Process
Step 1: Open the Official Portal
Open the incometax.gov.in/efile on your laptop or phone and Log in with PAN as User ID and password (or OTP for first-time).
Not registered? Click “Register” and verify via mobile/email linked to PAN—takes 2 minutes. Enable Aadhaar OTP for auto-fill of personal details, a game-changer for Bangalore’s mobile-savvy filers.
Avoid third-party sites to prevent data leaks; stick to the official portal.
Also Check >>>> Income Tax Slab for AY 2026-27: New and Old Regime Rates
Step 2: Kick Off Your Return
From the dashboard: “e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.” Select AY 2025-26 and “Online” mode.
Choose status: “Individual” for most (salaried/freelancers); “HUF” for joint families. Filing reason: “On time” or “Refund.”
The portal pre-fills from AIS—review carefully, as Bangalore IT pros often have unreported stock options or gig income.
Step 3: Pick Your ITR Form
Select based on your profile (updated for AY 2025-26 with expanded eligibility):
| ITR Form | Eligibility (AY 2025-26) | Best For Bangalore Filers |
|---|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Total income ≤ ₹50L; salary/pension, one house property, other sources (interest); LTCG u/s 112A ≤ ₹1.25L; no foreign assets/business. Not for those born after April 1, 2007. | Salaried in Whitefield with simple salary + mutual fund gains. |
| ITR-2 | No business income; includes capital gains, foreign assets, multiple properties. | Families with rental income from a second home in Jayanagar. |
| ITR-3 | Business/profession income; detailed books needed. | IT consultants with complex freelance setups. |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Total income ≤ ₹50L; presumptive business (44AD/ADA/AE); LTCG u/s 112A ≤ ₹1.25L. | Freelancers in Koramangala opting for simplified taxation. |
Confused? The portal’s quiz guides you. Click “Let’s Get Started” after uploading docs.
Step 4: Fill Personal Details
Auto-populates name, Bangalore address (e.g., PIN 560034 for Indiranagar), and phone. Edit if needed—add spouse/minor details for clubbing income.
List all income sources; add pre-validated bank accounts (at least one for refunds). Double-check PAN-Aadhaar link to avoid blocks.
Step 5: Enter Salary and Income
- Salary Tab: Input gross pay, allowances from Form 16. For HRA: Claim exemption (old regime only) as the least of: actual HRA received; rent paid – 10% salary; 40% salary (Bangalore is non-metro). Example: Basic ₹50k/month, HRA ₹25k, rent ₹20k—exempt ₹15k/month. Need landlord PAN if rent > ₹1L/year.
- Business/Freelance: Report gigs (e.g., Upwork payments); use presumptive if turnover < ₹2Cr.
- Rental: Deduct 30% standard + municipal taxes for properties in areas like Sarjapur Road.
- Capital Gains: Report shares/mutual funds; new granular reporting for LTCG. Portal flags omissions—cross-check with AIS.
Step 6: Smart Deductions Time
Available only in old regime (opt out via Form 10-IEA if business income). New regime (default) has limited deductions but lower slabs—compare using the portal’s calculator.
| Deduction | Limit (Old Regime) | Bangalore Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 80C | ₹1.5L (PF, ELSS, tuition, home loan principal) | Invest in ELSS via apps like Groww for quick liquidity. |
| 80CCD(1B) | Extra ₹50k (NPS) | Ideal for retirement planning in high-cost Bangalore. |
| 80D | ₹25k self/family + ₹25k parents (<60); ₹50k if senior | Cover with policies from local insurers like Bajaj Allianz. |
| 24(b) | ₹2L home loan interest (self-occupied) | Big saver for EMIs in Whitefield apartments. |
| 80G | Donations (50-100%) | Support Bangalore charities like Akshaya Patra. |
Old vs. New Regime Slabs (Individuals <60, AY 2025-26):
| Income Slab | Old Regime Rate | New Regime Rate (Default) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹3L | Nil | Nil |
| ₹3-7L | 5% | 5% |
| ₹7-10L | 20% | 10% |
| ₹10-12L | 20% | 15% |
| ₹12-15L | 30% | 20% |
| >₹15L | 30% | 30% |
New regime perks: Standard deduction ₹75k (salaried), rebate up to ₹60k (income ≤₹12L tax-free). Switch if old deductions > ₹3.75L savings.
Step 7: Tax Calculation and Payment
Portal auto-computes liability. Pay via net banking (SBI, HDFC—Bangalore favorites) or UPI. Refund due? Note details.
Preview all tabs; fix red flags (e.g., AIS mismatches). Sign digitally—no paper!
Also Check >>> Income Tax Calculator for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26): New & Old Regime Guide
Step 8: E-Verify Super Quick
Fastest: Aadhaar OTP (instant). Alternatives: Net banking, EVC, or Demat.
Skip ITR-V delays: If mailing, send signed copy (blue ink, no staples) to Centralised Processing Centre, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru – 560500, Karnataka within 30 days (not 120). Speed post only—no courier. Get instant acknowledgment; track on dashboard.
Documents You Need Ready
Gather these essentials before starting—scan them for upload if needed:
- PAN Card & Aadhaar: Mandatory; link them via the portal if not done (visit UIDAI site for issues).
- Form 16: From employer, for salary and TDS details.
- Form 26AS & AIS: Download from the e-filing portal (under “Services > My Tax Profile”). Reconcile for mismatches—common in Bangalore due to multiple freelance gigs.
- Bank Statements: For interest income; pre-validate accounts for refunds.
- Rent Receipts & Agreement: For HRA claims; include landlord’s PAN if annual rent > ₹1 lakh.
- Investment Proofs: For 80C (e.g., ELSS via Zerodha, PPF slips), 80D (health insurance from Star Health), NPS (extra ₹50k under 80CCD(1B)).
- Others: Capital gains statements from brokers like Groww; freelance invoices.
Bangalore-specific: If renting in high-cost areas like Indiranagar (avg. ₹25k/month), HRA can save ₹50k+ in tax annually. Keep digital copies—paperless filing is faster.