Is it mandatory to file income tax return for salaried employee?

Understand that there's a difference between the liability to file your income tax return and discharge of tax liability. When your employer deducts tax from the source (TDS), you're discharged of tax liability. However, you're still tasked for income tax return filing for various purposes.

The simple funda is if your gross total income is more than exemption limit, you have to go for income tax filing.

The exemption limit for an individual below the age of 60 us Rs 2.5 lakh.

For individuals between the age of 60 and 80, the exemption limit is Rs 3 lakh.

And for those above the age of 80 years, the income tax exemption limit is Rs 5 lakh.

If your gross income falls outside the apt exemption, you would have to file for income tax.

(There are certain cases where even when your income is less than the exempted amount, you would still have to file for income tax. Example: if your bank account, asset or any other financial interest in any asset is located outside the country.)

Besides, even with TDS, it makes much sense to file for the tax to avail various deductions under Chapter VIA and claim for your refunds and benefits.

In short, it is mandatory for the salaried employee to file for income tax if they are earning more than the exempted amount.

(Courtesy: Zee Biz)

Now the next most obvious question comes…

How to file income tax return online for a salaried employee?

For salaried employees, you need to file form ITR 1 (SAHAJ).

Foremost, register here at https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.

Your PAN card will be your user ID.

There are two ways from here to file for tax. You either download the form, fill it offline and then submit it online. OR, you do it all online.

Many people choose to download the form and then upload it. It's much more convenient and error-free. And that's what you're recommended.

After you have logged into your account and are on your dashboard, in the drop-down of "My Account" on the menu bar, you will find "Download Pre-Filled XML". Click on that, and after providing your PAN number the XML file will be downloaded.

Open it, fill in all the necessary details. Once completed, click the 'Calculate Tax' button. Pay the amount online and then fill the challan details after you upload the file.

Following, click "Validate". And then save the file in excel format on your desktop.

(Courtesy: Business Standard)

Now log into IT department website using your credentials and then upload the XML file.

The end step is verification. If your Aadhar is linked to PAN, this will get as easy as possible. You can digitally verify your income tax filing through Aadhar OTP. You will receive an OTP on the mobile number linked to your Aadhar. Input that OTP and ta-da!

That's how to file an income tax return for salaried employees.

Easy!

Hope this helped. :)