Step 1: Check Eligibility for ITR-2
- ITR-2 is applicable for:
- Individuals and HUFs with income from:
- Salary/Pension.
- More than one house property.
- Capital gains (e.g., sale of property, shares, etc.).
- Other sources (interest, dividends, etc.).
- Foreign income or assets.
- Not eligible for:
- Income from business or profession (use ITR-3 or ITR-4 instead).
- Individuals and HUFs with income from:
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before filing ITR-2, collect the following documents:
- Form 16 (if employed) or Form 16A (for TDS on other income).
- Bank statements (for interest income and tax payments).
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, and bank account details.
- Investment proofs (for deductions under Section 80C, 80D, etc.).
- Capital gains details (e.g., sale/purchase documents for property, shares, etc.).
- Rent receipts (if applicable).
- Foreign income details (if applicable).
- Previous year’s ITR (if any).
Step 3: Register on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.
- Log in using your PAN (Permanent Account Number) as the user ID.
- If you are a new user, register and create a password.
Step 4: Pre-fill Your Data
After logging in, go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.
- Select the Assessment Year (e.g., AY 2024-25 for FY 2023-24).
- Choose ITR-2 as the form.
- Click on Prefill Data to auto-fill details like:
- Personal information.
- Salary income (from Form 16).
- TDS details (from Form 26AS/AIS).
Step 5: Fill in the ITR-2 Form
- Personal Information:
- Name, PAN, Aadhaar, and contact details.
- Bank account details (for refunds).
- Income Details:
- Salary/Pension: Enter details from Form 16.
- House Property: Enter rental income or interest on home loan for each property.
- Capital Gains: Enter details of short-term and long-term capital gains (e.g., sale of property, shares, etc.).
- Other Sources: Add interest income (e.g., savings account, fixed deposits, dividends, etc.).
- Foreign Income: If applicable, provide details of foreign income and assets.
- Deductions:
- Enter deductions under:
- Section 80C (e.g., LIC, PPF, ELSS).
- Section 80D (health insurance).
- Other applicable sections.
- Enter deductions under:
- Taxes Paid:
- Enter details of TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax paid.
Step 6: Verify the Details
- Review all the details entered in the ITR-2 form.
- Ensure there are no errors or discrepancies.
Step 7: Calculate Tax Liability
- The portal will automatically calculate your tax liability based on the details provided.
- Pay any additional tax due (if applicable) using Challan 280.
Step 8: Submit the ITR
- After verifying the details, click on Proceed to Validation.
- Once validated, click on Proceed to Verification.
Step 9: Verify Your ITR
- Choose one of the following methods to verify your ITR:
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC):
- Generate EVC via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank ATM.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC):
- If you have a DSC, use it to sign the return.
- Send Signed ITR-V to CPC:
- If you don’t verify electronically, download the ITR-V, sign it, and send it to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) within 120 days.
- Electronic Verification Code (EVC):
Step 10: Acknowledgment
- Once verified, you will receive an acknowledgment (ITR-V) on your registered email ID.
- Keep a copy of the acknowledgment for future reference.
Important Due Dates for ITR Filing
- 31st July 2024: For individuals without audit requirements (FY 2023-24).
- 31st October 2024: For individuals with audit requirements.
Penalties for Late FilingLate filing attracts a penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
- Interest under Section 234A may also apply for delayed tax payments.
Conclusion
Filing ITR-2 is essential for individuals with complex income sources like capital gains, multiple house properties, or foreign income. By following the steps above and ensuring accurate details, you can file your ITR-2 smoothly. For further assistance, consult a tax professional or visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in.