How to File Income Tax Return Through Net Banking in India
Net banking can provide secure access to the Income Tax Department's e-Filing portal through participating banks. After login, taxpayers may prepare, submit and verify their income tax returns using the services available on the portal.
What is required before filing an ITR?
Keep your PAN, registered mobile number, income and deduction records, Form 16 (where applicable), bank information, Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), and details of advance tax or self-assessment tax available. Ensure that your e-Filing registration is active. For a net-banking login, the bank must support this facility, and the relevant account may need to be validated and nominated on the e-Filing portal.
Taxpayers who have not registered can read the PAN registration guide.
How to log in to the Income Tax portal using net banking
- Open the official Income Tax e-Filing portal and select Login.
- Choose the Net Banking login option, where offered. If e-Filing Vault higher security is enabled, first complete the portal's required credentials and security steps.
- Select your participating bank and continue to its official net-banking website.
- Sign in using your bank's credentials on the bank's secure website. Never enter bank passwords on an unrelated website.
- Locate the bank's Income Tax e-Filing or similarly named link and follow it to return to the e-Filing dashboard.
Bank menus and supported services differ. See the Income Tax Department's official net-banking login manual. Alternatively, taxpayers may log in directly using their PAN or other permitted user ID and e-Filing password.
Step-by-step process to file an Income Tax Return online
- After logging in, go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.
- Select the appropriate assessment year or tax year displayed for the income period, and choose the permitted filing mode.
- Select the relevant taxpayer status, filing category and ITR form. Eligibility depends on income sources and other statutory conditions.
- For online filing, review pre-filled personal, income and tax-credit information; complete the required schedules and correct discrepancies. For offline filing, use the applicable official utility, validate the prepared return and upload the generated file through the portal.
- Review income, deductions, tax computation, taxes paid, bank account information and any balance tax payable. If required, make payment through the portal's e-Pay Tax facility before completing the return.
- Use Preview, Validate and Submit as directed by the portal. Correct any validation errors before final submission.
- Complete the prescribed verification process and save the acknowledgement and filed-return copy.
See the department's ITR online filing manual and the site's general ITR filing guide.
How to e-verify the return and download the acknowledgement
After submitting an ITR, choose an available verification method such as Aadhaar OTP, EVC through a validated bank or demat account, net banking, or Digital Signature Certificate where applicable. Net-banking verification involves selecting a supported bank, logging in through the bank and returning to the e-Filing portal to verify the pending return.
Normally, verification or receipt of a valid signed ITR-V must be completed within 30 days of uploading the return. Late verification can affect the legally recognized filing date and may require a condonation request. Where physical verification is chosen, follow the current portal instructions for the prescribed form and delivery address; do not rely on historical addresses in old screenshots.
After successful verification, save the transaction ID, acknowledgement number and ITR-V or acknowledgement PDF. Return status and previously filed returns can be accessed from the e-Filing account.
For more information, see the official e-Verify manual and the e-verification guide.
Relevant income tax law and filing provisions
| Provision | Meaning and application |
|---|---|
| Section 139(1), Income-tax Act, 1961 | Provides for filing an original return of income for assessment years governed by the 1961 Act. |
| Section 139(4) and 139(5), 1961 Act | Concern belated returns and revised returns, subject to the applicable conditions and deadlines. |
| Section 139(8A), 1961 Act | Governs updated returns for eligible earlier assessment years, subject to restrictions and additional tax provisions. |
| Section 263, Income-tax Act, 2025 | Consolidates the principal provisions for original, belated, revised and updated returns for tax years governed by the 2025 Act. |
Transition in 2026: Income earned during FY 2025-26 is reported for AY 2026-27 under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Income earned from 1 April 2026 falls within the Tax Year framework of the Income-tax Act, 2025; returns for Tax Year 2026-27 ordinarily arise after that tax year ends. Always select the correct year and form shown on the official portal.
Refer to the Income Tax Department's return filing FAQs under the new Act and transition guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file an ITR directly from my bank's net-banking website?
Usually, the bank provides a link to authenticate and access the Income Tax e-Filing portal. The return itself is prepared and submitted through the department's filing facility.
Is net banking compulsory to file or verify an ITR?
No. Direct portal login and other permitted verification methods are available. Net banking is optional and depends on bank support and account settings.
What if my bank is not listed?
Log in directly to the official e-Filing portal and file the return using your registered account credentials. Choose another available verification method after submission.
Can I file an ITR using an offline utility?
Yes, where the applicable form and year support offline filing. Prepare and validate the return with the official utility, upload it on the e-Filing portal, and complete verification.
How long do I have to verify my return?
The general verification period is 30 days from uploading the return, subject to the applicable rules and any officially notified changes.