Language Settings
Select Website Language
newshunt
newshunt

Filters

Channels
Topics
Other Filters

Filing ITR Without A CA? Follow This Simple Step-By-Step Guide

Income tax return season can bring with it a familiar question for salaried taxpayers: Do I really need a chartered accountant to file my ITR? For those with relatively straightforward income and tax affairs, filing a return independently has become increasingly accessible. The Income Tax Department's e-filing system now offers online filing and pre-filled information, reducing at least some of the manual work involved in preparing a return. For Assessment Year 2026-27, ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4 are live on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal, with online and offline filing options enabled. However, easier does not mean automatic. Taxpayers still need to choose the correct ITR form, reconcile the information available with the tax department and report income accurately. So, if you are planning to file your ITR without a CA, where should you begin? First Things First: Get Your Tax Papers Together Before logging into the tax portal, it helps to collect all the information you may need. For a salaried taxpayer, this could include Form 16, salary details and bank statements. Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement, or AIS, are also important for checking tax and income information available with the Income Tax Department. Depending on your financial situation, you may also need details of capital gains, interest income, rental income and home loan interest. Documentary records relating to deductions and exemptions claimed in the return should also be kept ready. Tax experts advise taxpayers to wait until after June 15 for greater accuracy as Form 16, AIS and Form 26AS information is generally updated by around this period. Even if information appears in a pre-filled return, it is important to cross-check the figures against your own records. Also Read : Gold Silver Rate Today (July 14): Metals Inch Up, Check Latest Rates In Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, More Log In To The Income Tax E-Filing Portal The next step is to access the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal and log in to your account. Taxpayers filing independently can use the portal to begin the return-filing process and select the relevant assessment year and filing mode. For AY 2026-27, the Income Tax Department has enabled ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4 for filing. The online filing route can be particularly useful for taxpayers with simpler returns as several pieces of information may already be populated in the form. But there is a catch: pre-filled does not mean error-proof. Picking The Right ITR Form Is Crucial One of the first decisions taxpayers face is selecting the correct income tax return form. The applicable form depends on factors including the taxpayer's income sources, total income and financial circumstances. ITR-1, commonly known as Sahaj, is meant for eligible resident individuals with relatively simple income profiles. ITR-2 generally applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and do not have income from profits and gains of business or profession. ITR-3 is relevant for individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession, while ITR-4, or Sugam, is available to eligible taxpayers reporting income on a presumptive basis under specified provisions. Selecting the wrong form can complicate the filing process, making this one step where taxpayers should pay close attention to eligibility conditions. AIS And Form 26AS Need A Careful Look Once the return is open, resist the temptation to simply accept every pre-filled figure and move on. The Annual Information Statement can contain information relating to financial transactions and income reported to the tax department. Form 26AS, meanwhile, is important for reviewing tax credits and other tax-related information. Taxpayers are cautioned against relying entirely on pre-filled information. An income item not appearing in the AIS or pre-filled return does not automatically remove the taxpayer's responsibility to report it. This means salary may be the starting point, but it may not be the whole story. Interest income from savings accounts or deposits, rental income, capital gains and income from other sources may also need to be disclosed, depending on the taxpayer's circumstances. Don't Forget That Side Income This is one area where filing independently demands attention. A taxpayer may think primarily in terms of salary while preparing an ITR, but income can come from several sources. Bank interest, fixed deposits, rent, investments and capital gains may all have tax-reporting implications. Income from freelance or professional activities may also affect the return form and reporting requirements. Taxpayers with foreign income or assets can face additional disclosure requirements and should carefully examine whether a simple self-filed return is appropriate for their situation. The key is to reconcile your actual income and financial records instead of assuming that every taxable item will automatically appear on the portal. Check Your Deductions Before Claiming Them Tax deductions are another area where taxpayers need to avoid a copy-and-paste approach. Depending on the tax regime and eligibility conditions applicable to the taxpayer, deductions may be available under various provisions of income tax law. Claims must be supported by accurate information and taxpayers should retain the relevant documentary records. There are also changes in the AY 2026-27 ITR forms that taxpayers should review before filing. For instance, The Economic Times reported that those claiming a deduction under Section 80G are required to provide additional information, including the IFSC and transaction reference number relating to the donation. The broader lesson is simple: do not claim a deduction merely because you claimed it in an earlier return. Check the current form, your chosen tax regime and the applicable eligibility requirements. Preview The Return Before You Hit Submit Once income, deductions and tax details have been entered, the return should be reviewed carefully. It is recommedned to check the tax liability or refund amount, whether TDS credits from employers and banks have been correctly considered and whether advance tax or self-assessment tax payments are reflected. Bank account details are particularly important where a refund is expected. A final review can also help identify missing income, incorrect personal details or discrepancies between the return and the taxpayer's records. If the tax computation shows an amount payable, the portal provides options to deal with the tax liability during the filing process. Filing Is Not The End, You Still Need To Verify Your ITR Submitting an income tax return is only part of the process. Taxpayers choosing e-verification must complete the verification process within 30 days of filing the return, according to the Income Tax Department's filing framework. The return can be e-verified through available methods on the tax portal. Depending on eligibility and the option selected, these include Aadhaar OTP and other electronic verification routes. Taxpayers unable to use the electronic route can follow the applicable process for physical verification through ITR-V. Skipping verification can leave the return incomplete, making this a crucial final step. Also Read : Flight Fares Jump 20-100% In Peak Season: Can New Aviation Rules Bring Relief? Can Everyone Really File ITR Without A CA? Not necessarily. For a salaried taxpayer with straightforward income, filing an ITR independently may be manageable, particularly with pre-filled information and the online filing facility. The situation can become considerably more complicated where a taxpayer has complex capital gains, business or professional income, foreign assets or foreign income, or other transactions involving detailed tax reporting. In such cases, professional advice may help reduce the risk of incorrect reporting. Filing ITR Yourself? Accuracy Matters More Than Speed The growing use of pre-filled information has made tax filing more accessible, but taxpayers remain responsible for the information submitted in their returns. For those filing without a CA, the process is less about rushing through the portal and more about three basic checks: choosing the correct ITR form, matching tax information with personal records and declaring all applicable income. The technology may now do part of the paperwork. The final responsibility for getting the return right, however, still rests with the taxpayer.

Best Phones Under Rs 5,000 (July 2026): From HMD Touch To JioPhone Prima 2, Budget Picks That Do More Than Just Calls

Best Phones Under Rs 5,000: Buying a phone under Rs 5,000 no longer means settling for a device that can only make calls and send texts. The latest crop of feature phones now brings UPI payments, video calling, YouTube access, cloud apps and even Wi-Fi connectivity. Whether you need a dependable secondary phone, a digital detox device or an affordable handset for parents and grandparents, there are plenty of capable options available in India right now. Among the standout choices are devices from HMD, Nokia, Jio and Lava, each offering a different take on what a modern feature phone can be. HMD Touch: The Closest Thing To A Smartphone Under Rs 5,000 Price: Rs 3,999 The HMD Touch is designed for users who want smartphone-like conveniences without the complexity of Android. It supports video calling through Xpress Chat, which works across Android and iPhone devices, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family. The phone also includes Wi-Fi, hotspot functionality, USB-C charging and cloud-based apps for content access. These additions make it one of the most feature-rich devices in this segment. If your priority is connectivity and communication rather than social media apps, the HMD Touch is arguably the most modern option available today. Nokia 235 4G: A Classic Feature Phone With Modern Upgrades Price: Rs 3,999 The Nokia 235 4G combines a familiar keypad design with features that fit today's needs. It sports a larger 2.8-inch display, a rear camera, Bluetooth connectivity and USB Type-C charging. Built-in UPI support allows users to make digital payments directly from the device. Another highlight is access to cloud-based services, including video calling through Xpress Chat. For users who want a reliable Nokia handset with a few modern conveniences, the Nokia 235 remains one of the strongest all-rounders in the category. JioPhone Prima 2: The Entertainment-Focused Budget Phone Price: Rs 2,799 The JioPhone Prima 2 is aimed at users who consume a lot of content. Despite its keypad form factor, it comes with access to YouTube, JioTV, JioHotstar and JioSaavn, turning it into a compact entertainment hub. It also supports video calling and UPI payments through JioPay. A 2,000mAh battery helps it last comfortably through daily use, while 4G connectivity ensures access to online services. The biggest caveat is that it works within the Jio ecosystem, but for existing Jio users, that may not be a major drawback. Lava A2 Smart: Affordable And Surprisingly Practical Price: Rs 1,198 The Lava A2 Smart proves that even phones close to the Rs 1,000 mark can offer useful modern features. It includes built-in UPI payments, Bluetooth support, a camera and a 2.4-inch display that keeps everyday tasks simple and accessible. The 1,200mAh battery is designed to handle extended usage, while support for multiple regional languages broadens its appeal. For buyers looking for the lowest possible price without sacrificing essentials like digital payments, the Lava A2 Smart is difficult to ignore. Nokia 105: The No-Nonsense Choice Price: Rs 1,300 For users who want maximum simplicity, the Nokia 105 continues to be a dependable option. It focuses on core functionality, offering strong battery life, durable construction and built-in UPI support. The device is ideal for users who need a backup phone or a handset dedicated to calling and payments. While it lacks the advanced connectivity features of newer rivals, the Nokia 105 remains one of the most trusted names in the entry-level segment thanks to its straightforward experience and long-lasting battery performance. In 2026, the best phone under Rs 5,000 depends largely on what you need. The HMD Touch is the closest to a smartphone experience, the Nokia 235 4G strikes the best balance between modern features and simplicity, the JioPhone Prima 2 caters to entertainment lovers, while the Lava A2 Smart and Nokia 105 continue to deliver strong value for budget-conscious buyers.

Why do we forget why we walked into a room? The fascinating science behind the "Doorway Effect"

Entering a new room can cause temporary memory lapses for your original intention. This doorway effect is a normal brain process for organizing experiences into distinct events. It happens as your brain updates its mental model of the environment. Working memory limitations and attention shifts also contribute to these forgetful moments. Retracing your steps often helps retrieve the forgotten thought by restoring context.

All you need to know about ‘The Odyssey’ and the poem that inspired it all

In 'The Odyssey', Homer vividly depicts Odysseus's perilous 10-year trek back to Ithaca following the Trojan War. While he faces divine adversaries and mythical trials, his loyal wife Penelope and son Telemachus courageously defend their kingdom. Anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan's film adaptation, starring Matt Damon and Zendaya, which reimagines this timeless epic of resilience and return.

UK seeks law change to deport Pakistani rapist and grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed

The UK government is changing a law that prevents serious criminals' deportation. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced Parliament will amend the Immigration Act 1971. This change targets individuals like grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed. Ahmed was jailed for rape and sexual offenses against young girls. The government seeks to remove legal protections for such serious offenders.

NASA’s New Horizons travelled 3 billion miles over 9 years to reach Pluto – but it was moving too fast to stop when it arrived

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft completed its swift flyby of Pluto after a nine-year journey. The mission prioritized data collection over live communication during the brief encounter. Scientists received approximately 50 billion bits of data over fifteen months after the flyby. This slow data return revealed Pluto's complex and geologically active icy world. The mission highlighted the trade-off between reach and the patience required for discovery.

Stock Markets End Lower As Sensex Declines Over 500 Points, Nifty Tests 24K

The Indian benchmark indices witnessed losses on Tuesday as the Sensex tumbled over 560 points to close at 77,054 and the NSE fell 158 points to close at 24,052 at 3:30 PM. In the 30-share BSE Sensex, among the top gainers were stocks such as Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Tata Steel, TCS and Adani Ports. Meanwhile, the laggards included stocks like PowerGrid, Reliance, Bharat Electronics, ICICI Bank and Asian Paints. In the broader markets, the Nifty Smallcap 50 and the Nifty Smallcap 250 declined 1.08 per cent as volatility rose. Sectorally, the Nifty Realty index fell 1.97 per cent and the Nifty Pharma index rose 1.03 per cent. Previously, during the early morning session, the Sensex rang the opening bell near 77,100, bleeding more than 500 points, while the NSE Nifty50 opened trading just above 24k, taking a hit of 150 points, as of 9:15 AM. US Launches Fresh Strikes On Iran Geopolitical tensions escalated after the United States launched another round of strikes on Iran, marking the third consecutive night of military action as efforts to end the conflict appeared to lose momentum. The US Central Command said the latest strikes began at 4:45 pm (2045 GMT) and were aimed at imposing further costs on Iranian forces while degrading their ability to target civilians and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed offensive comes as prospects for a deal to end the conflict appear to be fading, bringing renewed attention to the strategically important waterway. Trump Claims Iran's Military Capabilities Weakened US President Donald Trump claimed that American military action had significantly weakened Iran's defence capabilities. Speaking to Newsmax, Trump said much of Iran's naval, air and weapons infrastructure had been destroyed and claimed the country had been brought "back to the Stone Ages to a large extent". ALSO READ: Microsoft Boss Satya Nadella Warns Firms Are 'Paying Twice' For AI He further said Iran retained limited military capability and would no longer be able to intimidate the United States. Strait Of Hormuz Remains In Focus The Strait of Hormuz remained at the centre of investor concerns amid the renewed military escalation. According to the US Energy Department, more than 8 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway on Sunday with assistance from the US military. The department said it would continue efforts to ensure oil supplies move despite heightened tensions. However, shipping traffic through the strategic route has fallen sharply over the past week, keeping concerns over potential energy supply disruptions alive. Crude Oil Prices Edge Higher Oil prices rose after Trump said Washington would reinstate a blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The July crude oil futures contract was quoted at $84.11, up 0.97 per cent. The rise in crude oil prices remains a key concern for Indian markets, with investors closely tracking energy costs amid the renewed tensions in West Asia. Asian Markets Trade Lower Most major Asia-Pacific markets declined on Tuesday as rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.69 per cent, while South Korea's Kospi declined 1.78 per cent in early trade. The weakness across regional markets reflected a broader risk-off sentiment as investors assessed the latest developments between Washington and Tehran. Wall Street Ends In The Red US markets also closed lower overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.26 per cent, while the S&P 500 declined 0.79 per cent. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.55 per cent, marking the steepest decline among the three major US indices. Gold Rises, Silver Slips Precious metals traded on a mixed note amid the heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Gold futures gained 0.42 per cent, while silver futures fell 0.3 per cent. ALSO READ: Food Inflation Jumps To 5.32% As Tomato Prices Surge; More Pain Ahead In July?

Govinda opens up about being COUNTED OUT by the industry

As veteran actor Govinda readies himself for his forthcoming film 'Roopa', he takes a moment to consider the challenges he has faced throughout his career. Emphasizing the importance of new beginnings and his faith in numerology, particularly the number fourteen, he recalls his early doubts about becoming a hero. Through 'Roopa', he aspires to inspire the younger crowd and herald a fresh chapter in his illustrious career.

Anna Rajan seeks legal action over morphed image

Actress Anna Rajan has strongly condemned an edited and explicit image circulated on social media, deeming it a grave violation of her privacy and dignity. She has taken the necessary steps by reporting the incident to Instagram and plans to file a police complaint. Rajan is urging immediate intervention from Kerala Police and Cyberdome Kerala and is committed to legal action until justice is achieved for this serious infringement.

SRK gets relief as Supreme Court rejects plea against 'Mannat' CRZ clearance

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Coastal Regulation Zone clearance. This ruling allows Shah Rukh Khan to proceed with renovations at his Mumbai home. The apex court declined to interfere with an earlier National Green Tribunal order. Activist Santosh Daundkar's appeal was rejected by the bench. The legal dispute over Mannat's expansion has now concluded.

Flight Fares Jump 20-100% In Peak Season: Can New Aviation Rules Bring Relief?

The Supreme Court on Monday gave the Centre two weeks to submit rules framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, as the top court continued to examine concerns over steep airfare increases and additional charges levied by private airlines. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the government to place the rules before the court in a sealed cover, regardless of whether they have been tabled in Parliament. The matter will next be heard on August 3, reported Financial Express. “Considering the submissions, we grant two weeks time to place before this court the rules which have been framed, irrespective of whether they have been placed before the Parliament or not, in sealed cover. List on 3rd August,” the Court ordered. Centre Says Aviation Rules Have Been Framed The direction came after the Centre informed the Bench that the rules had already been prepared and were currently being translated before being placed before Parliament. The Supreme Court, however, asked the government to submit the rules within the stipulated two-week period irrespective of their status before Parliament. The case stems from a petition filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan, who has sought stronger safeguards for air passengers and the establishment of an independent aviation regulator to oversee India's civil aviation sector. Plea Flags Airfares, Baggage Fees and Surge Pricing The petition seeks directions to the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to introduce binding rules governing airfare pricing and ancillary charges. It has also called for regulation of baggage fees, caps on surge pricing and standardised systems for ticket cancellations, refunds and passenger grievance redressal. Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava told the court that the existing regulatory framework would continue to govern the sector until the new rules were notified. Also Read : Gold Silver Rate Today (July 14): Metals Inch Up, Check Latest Rates In Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, More Questions Over Dynamic Pricing During Peak Demand At the heart of the petition are concerns over the manner in which airlines determine ticket prices, particularly during festivals, holidays and other periods of high demand. The petitioner has argued that the absence of a statutory authority empowered to regulate airfares and ancillary charges has allowed airlines to follow opaque pricing practices. The plea also raises concerns over dynamic pricing, hidden charges, cancellation policies and inadequate mechanisms for resolving passenger complaints. Reduction in Free Baggage Allowance Challenged Another issue highlighted before the court is the reduction in the free check-in baggage allowance for economy-class passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg by several private airlines. According to the petitioner, airlines have effectively turned a service that was previously included in the ticket price into an additional revenue stream. The plea argues that passengers travelling without checked baggage do not receive any corresponding benefit despite the change in the baggage framework. New Aviation Law Replaced 1934 Aircraft Act The rules under scrutiny have been framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which came into force in January 2025. The legislation replaced the Aircraft Act, 1934, and was introduced to modernise India's civil aviation framework. It provides a broader legal structure covering aircraft manufacturing, operations, maintenance and safety. However, detailed subordinate legislation required to operationalise several provisions of the new law is yet to be notified. Airfare Spikes Have Been Under SC Scanner The issue of steep airfare increases has been under the Supreme Court's consideration since last year. During an earlier hearing in January, the apex court raised concerns over sharp fare increases during festivals and major events, describing such pricing as exploitative. The debate over airfare pricing gained further attention during the Maha Kumbh, when demand for flights to Prayagraj surged alongside ticket prices. According to an analysis by travel portal ixigo, a one-way ticket on the Bhopal-Prayagraj route jumped 498 per cent to Rs 17,796 from Rs 2,977 a year earlier. Airfares on the Delhi-Prayagraj route also increased by up to 21 per cent during the period. Similar increases are seen during almost every festive season, with airfares typically rising between 20 per cent and 100 per cent as demand peaks. Also read : Bank Holiday This Week: SBI, HDFC Bank, Others Closed For 4 Days Between July 13-19 How Are Airfares Currently Decided? Under the existing regulatory framework, airfares under normal circumstances are driven by market conditions and are neither fixed nor regulated by the government. Tariff fixation was deregulated following the repeal of the Air Corporations Act in March 1994. Airlines are allowed to determine fares under Rule 135(1) of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, after considering factors including operating costs, the characteristics of the service, reasonable profit and prevailing market tariffs. As a result, ticket prices fluctuate according to market forces and demand-supply conditions, allowing carriers to use dynamic pricing models. Court Had Earlier Sought Relief for Passengers In May this year, the Supreme Court had also observed that airfares should be rationalised and asked the Centre to explore measures that could provide relief to passengers while hearing the same matter. Monday's direction seeking the rules framed under the new aviation law is the latest development in the apex court's examination of the proposed regulatory framework and passenger protection measures in India's civil aviation sector.

Are French Fries Really More Harmful Than Cigarettes? Oncologist Explains Hidden Health Risks

One of the most popular comfort meals in the world is french fries but a recent warning from Dr. Vartika Vishwani, a surgical oncologist in Gurugram, has rekindled discussion about the negative health effects of fast food that is made commercially. She made a startling declaration in an Instagram video: "As an oncology mom, this is one meal that I have not given to my child to date. The dangers of French fries will astound you.’’ Nutrition experts concur that the issue is more about how commercially prepared fries are cooked and consumed than it is about potatoes themselves, despite the connection with cigarettes igniting internet debate. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Health Organization (WHO) claim that diets heavy in unhealthy fats, ultra-processed foods and excess salt have been connected to obesity, heart disease and several types of cancer.  ALSO READ |Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: What Happens To The Body When You Stop Eating? Why The Frying Process Matters The main issue, according to Dr. Vishwani, is the frequent heating of cooking oil in industrial kitchens. "Oil is the first issue," she says. The same oil is frequently used at high temperatures in fast food restaurants.Research from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Food Chemistry indicates that heating vegetable oils repeatedly can result in the production of hazardous substances such as aldehydes and oxidized lipids. When ingested often over time, these chemicals may exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation, processes linked to long-term harm to blood vessels and cells. More Than Just Fat And Calories Additionally, french fries are often high in salt and low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Regularly eating foods high in salt can elevate blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, according to the NHS. Dr. Vishwani also emphasised how easy it is for kids to overindulge in fries because they are really tasty but not very satisfying. When consumed often, foods high in energy but low in nutrients may promote excessive calorie consumption, raising the risk of childhood obesity. ALSO READ |Want Better Career Growth? Avoid Keeping These 5 Things On Your Desk A Balanced Perspective For Parents Speaking as a mother and a physician, Dr. Vartika Vishwani stated, "As an oncologist mom, this is one meal that I have not provided to my child," highlighting that her main issue is with commercially cooked French fries, where frying oil is frequently reheated several times. Additionally, she advised parents to "Share this with any parent that orders French fries first for their child when they go out." Health professionals advise selecting healthier cooking techniques like baking, roasting, or air-frying with fresh oil rather than regularly ingesting commercially deep-fried potatoes, even though they do not advise completely avoiding potatoes. As part of a balanced diet, eating French fries occasionally is unlikely to be harmful, according to nutrition experts. However, consuming deep-fried, highly processed foods on a frequent basis may lead to obesity and other long-term health issues. According to experts, the most important lesson is to make educated food choices and pay attention to how meals are cooked rather than completely avoiding certain foods.

//