Category: Loans

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is something every salaried person in India must do every year. But for many, the process feels confusing or stressful. The good news is that in 2025, filing ITR online has become easier than ever.

This article will explain everything you need to know— from documents needed to the step-by-step process. Whether it’s your first time or you want a quick refresh, this guide is for you.

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Why Is Filing ITR Important?

Filing ITR (Income Tax Return) is not just about paying tax. It is a proof of your income and financial honesty. Here’s why it matters:

• Required when applying for loans or visas
• Helps claim tax refunds
• Keeps your income records clear
• Mandatory under law if your income is taxable

Even if your income is below the taxable limit, filing ITR shows financial responsibility.

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Who Should File ITR?

You must file ITR if:

• Your income is above ₹2.5 lakh per year (for those below 60 years)
• You want to claim a refund on TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)
• You have foreign assets or income
• You want to carry forward losses (e.g., stock losses)

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Documents Required for ITR Filing (2025)

Before you start, keep these documents ready:

Document	Purpose
PAN Card	To identify you as a taxpayer
Aadhaar Card	Mandatory for verification
Form 16	Issued by your employer; shows salary + TDS
Salary Slips	For income proof (if Form 16 not available)
Bank Account Details	For refund credit
Investment Proofs (if any)	To claim deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.
Home Loan / Education Loan Docs	If you want tax benefits on interest
Form 26AS / AIS	For tax credit & income summary

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How to File ITR Online in 2025 – Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Portal

Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in

Step 2: Log in Using PAN

If you don’t have an account, register using your PAN and mobile number.

Step 3: Choose “File Income Tax Return”

Select the assessment year as 2025–26 and choose online mode.

Step 4: Select ITR Form

For salaried individuals, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is usually the correct form.

Step 5: Pre-Fill and Verify Data

The portal will automatically fill your salary, TDS, and interest data from Form 26AS. Verify it carefully.

Step 6: Add Deductions

Add eligible deductions under sections like 80C (investments), 80D (health insurance), etc.

Step 7: Review Tax Summary

Check if you need to pay more tax or if you’re getting a refund.

Step 8: Submit and Verify

Submit the return and verify it through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC (Digital Signature Certificate).

You’ll get an acknowledgment via email and SMS.

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Real-Life Example

Let’s take Anjali, a 28-year-old software developer from Noida. She earns ₹8.5 lakh per year. Her employer deducts TDS, and she also invests ₹1.5 lakh in ELSS funds.

When she logged in to the portal, most details were already filled. She just added her ELSS investment, verified everything, and filed ITR within 20 minutes — without any CA help.

Like Anjali, you can file your ITR confidently from your phone or laptop.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not verifying Form 26AS or AIS data
• Missing deductions under 80C or 80D
• Filing incorrect ITR form
• Not verifying the return after submission
• Giving wrong bank account details for refund

Double-check everything before submitting.

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FAQs

Q1. Is it mandatory to file ITR if I have only one salary income?
Yes, if your total income crosses the basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh).

Q2. What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2025–26?
The due date is 31st July 2025 (unless extended).

Q3. Can I file ITR without Form 16?
Yes, but you must calculate your income and TDS manually using salary slips and Form 26AS.

Q4. Can I revise my ITR after submission?
Yes, revised returns can be filed until 31st December 2025 (subject to rules).

Q5. Is it safe to file ITR without a CA?
Absolutely. The new portal is user-friendly, and most salaried people can do it on their own.

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Final words

Filing your ITR doesn’t need to be scary or technical. With the new system in place, it’s easier than ever. All you need is a little preparation, internet access, and 20–30 minutes.

Don’t wait till the last minute. File your return early and stress-free. It’s not just a duty — it’s a smart financial move.

A home loan is like borrowing money from a bank or company to buy your own house, People take loans to meet their important needs. For example, if someone wants to buy or build a house but doesn’t have enough money, they can take a home loan. Loans are not only for houses—there are also loans for education, businesses, and other purposes.

Imagine you want to buy a big toy house that costs ₹30 lakh. But you only have ₹5 lakh. So someone gives you the rest of the money so you can buy the house. But you promise to give them back all the money slowly over many years. That’s what a home loan is.

The extra money you pay along with the loan is called interest . That’s how banks earn money when they give loans.

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Why Do People Take Home Loans?

Most people cannot afford to buy a house all at once. A house is one of the most expensive things you can buy in life. So instead of waiting for 20–30 years to save enough money, people take a home loan and start living in their dream house right away.

But remember – taking a loan means you have to pay it back with interest.

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How Does a Home Loan Work?

Let’s understand this with an example:

You want to buy a house worth ₹40 lakh. You have saved ₹10 lakh.
So, you borrow ₹30 lakh from a bank as a home loan .

• The bank says: “We will give you ₹30 lakh. You can pay us back over 20 years.”
• They also say: “Each year, you will pay some extra money because we are giving you this loan. That is called interest.”

If the interest rate is 8%, then over 20 years, you may end up paying around ₹60 lakh!

That means:

• ₹30 lakh = actual loan amount
• ₹30 lakh = interest

So always try to get a low interest rate .

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Types of Home Loans in India

There are different kinds of home loans. Let’s see what they mean:

1. Home Purchase Loan – For buying a new house.
2. Home Construction Loan – If you want to build your own house.
3. Home Extension Loan – To make your current house bigger.
4. Home Improvement Loan – To fix or repair your house.
5. Land Purchase Loan – For buying land where you plan to build a house later.
6. NRI Home Loan – For Indians who live abroad but want to buy a house in India.

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Top Banks for Home Loans in India (2025)

Here are some of the best banks in India that give home loans. These banks are trusted by many people.

Bank Name	Approximate Interest Rate
State Bank of India (SBI)	8.10%
HDFC	8.25%
ICICI Bank	8.30%
Axis Bank	8.40%
Kotak Mahindra Bank	8.35%

These rates change from time to time. Always check the latest rate before applying.

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Which Bank Gives the Cheapest Home Loan?

Right now, SBI offers the lowest interest rate among big banks. But sometimes smaller banks or finance companies offer even lower rates.

But be careful – always choose a trusted bank , not just the cheapest one.

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How to Calculate Your Monthly Payment?

When you take a home loan, you pay it back every month. This monthly payment is called an EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) .

There is a formula to calculate EMI, but it’s very hard. So instead, you can use a loan calculator on a bank’s website or app.

Example:

• Loan Amount: ₹30,00,000
• Interest Rate: 8%
• Time: 20 years

Your monthly EMI will be about ₹23,000 per month.

So over 20 years, you will pay around ₹55 lakh.

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What is the Interest Rate?

The interest rate is the extra money you pay for using the bank’s money.

Interest rates can be:

1. Fixed Rate – It stays the same for the whole loan period.
2. Floating Rate – It can go up or down based on market conditions.

Most people choose floating rate because it is often cheaper.

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Who Can Get a Home Loan?

Not everyone can get a home loan. There are some rules. These are called eligibility criteria .

Here are the main rules:

• You must be at least 18 years old .
• You should have a job or regular income .
• You must be able to pay the monthly EMI.
• You should not have a bad credit history (like not paying old loans).
• You must be an Indian citizen (or NRI with proper documents).

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Documents Needed for a Home Loan

To apply for a home loan, you need to give some documents to the bank. Here’s what you need:

• Identity Proof – Aadhaar Card, PAN Card
• Address Proof – Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Electricity Bill
• Income Proof – Salary Slip, ITR (Income Tax Return)
• Bank Statement – Last 6 months
• Employment Proof – Offer Letter or Experience Letter
• Property Documents – Sale Agreement, NOC from builder

The bank checks these documents before approving your loan.

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How to Apply for a Home Loan?

Here’s how you can apply:

1. Step 1 – Check Eligibility : Visit the bank’s website or app. Use the eligibility calculator.
2. Step 2 – Compare Banks : Look at interest rates and features of different banks.
3. Step 3 – Fill Application Form : Online or offline.
4. Step 4 – Submit Documents : Upload or send copies of required papers.
5. Step 5 – Property Verification : The bank checks the house details.
6. Step 6 – Loan Approval : If everything is okay, the bank approves your loan.
7. Step 7 – Disbursement : The bank sends the money to the builder or seller.

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Tips to Get a Home Loan Easily

Here are some tips to help you get a home loan faster:

1. Check your CIBIL Score – It should be above 700 . Higher is better.
2. Don’t have too many loans – Too many debts make it harder to get a loan.
3. Have a good job history – Stay at your job for at least 2 years.
4. Keep savings ready – You might need to show proof of savings.
5. Compare banks before choosing – Don’t just pick the first one.
6. Use online tools – Use loan calculators and comparison sites.

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What is CIBIL Score?

CIBIL score is like a report card for your financial life. It shows how good you are at paying loans and credit card bills.

• Score range: 300 to 900
• Good score: 700 or more
• Bad score: Below 600

If your score is low, banks might not give you a loan.

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How to Improve Your CIBIL Score?

If your CIBIL score is low, don’t worry. You can improve it.

Tips:

• Pay your bills on time.
• Don’t take too many loans.
• Keep your credit card balance low.
• Check your report regularly for errors.
• Close unused credit cards.

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Prepayment and Part-Payment of Home Loan

Sometimes, you may want to pay your loan early. This is called prepayment .

Some banks allow prepayment without any charge. Others charge a small fee (like 1–2%).

Also, you can pay part of the loan earlier. This helps reduce your interest.

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Tax Benefits on Home Loans

Yes! You can save tax if you have a home loan.

Under Section 80C , you can claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh for the principal amount paid.

Under Section 24 , you can claim a deduction of up to ₹2 lakh for the interest paid.

This helps you save money on taxes .

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Final Summary

• A home loan helps you buy a house when you don’t have full money.
• Choose a bank with a low interest rate .
• Make sure you are eligible for the loan.
• Keep your documents ready .
• Always compare banks before deciding.
• Try to keep your CIBIL score high .
• You can save tax on home loan payments.
• Be smart and plan well before taking a loan.