How to Get Income Tax Return Copy Online?

Why Do You Need a Copy of Your Income Tax Return (ITR)?

An ITR copy is an important document that serves multiple purposes. Here’s why you might need it:

1. Loan and Credit Card Applications – Banks and financial institutions require ITR copies to assess your income before approving loans and credit cards.
2. Visa Applications – Many countries ask for ITR copies to verify your financial stability before granting a visa.
3. Proof of Income – Self-employed individuals and business owners use ITRs as income proof for various financial transactions.
4. Tax Audit and Compliance – In case of scrutiny or tax notices, an ITR copy is required to respond to the Income Tax Department.
5. Applying for Tenders – Government and private companies often require ITR copies for bidding on tenders.
 

Step-by-Step Process to Download Income Tax Return Copy Online

The process of downloading your Income Tax Return (ITR) copy online is simple and can be done through the Income Tax e-Filing portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal

• Open your browser and go to the official Income Tax Department e-Filing portal – https://www.incometax.gov.in.

Step 2: Log in to Your Account

• Click on “Login” in the top right corner.
• Enter your PAN/Aadhaar number as your User ID.
• Provide your password and complete the CAPTCHA verification.
• Click on "Continue" to log in.

Step 3: Navigate to the "e-File" Section

• After logging in, go to the "e-File" menu in the top navigation bar.
• Click on "Income Tax Returns" and select "View Filed Returns" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Select the Relevant Assessment Year

• A list of previously filed ITRs will appear.
• Choose the Assessment Year (AY) for which you need the ITR copy.
• Click on "Download Form" to get a copy of your ITR in PDF format.

Step 5: Download the ITR-V Acknowledgment (if required)

• If you need the ITR-V (Acknowledgment), click on "Download ITR-V" under the same section.
• This is especially useful if you filed your ITR but have not e-verified it yet.

Step 6: Open and Save the ITR Copy

• Once downloaded, open the PDF file using any PDF reader.
• The file is usually password-protected. Use your PAN number in lowercase followed by your date of birth (DDMMYYYY format) to open the document.
• Save the ITR copy securely for future use.

Alternate Methods to Obtain Your ITR Copy

1. Retrieve ITR Copy via Email

• If you have filed your ITR through an e-filing platform check your registered email.
• The ITR-V Acknowledgment is usually sent by the Income Tax Department to your registered email ID.

2. Get ITR Copy from Your Tax Consultant

• If your ITR was filed through a CA or tax consultant, they may have a copy of your ITR. You can request them to share it.

3. Contact the Income Tax Department

• If you are unable to retrieve your ITR online, you can contact the Income Tax helpline at 1800-103-0025 or visit the nearest Income Tax Office.

Things to Keep in Mind While Downloading ITR Copy

• Ensure your login details are correct – If you forget your password, you can reset it using OTP on Aadhaar or email verification.
• Choose the correct assessment year – AY is one year after the financial year (e.g., for FY 2023-24, the AY is 2024-25).
• Verify before downloading – Check whether the ITR was successfully filed and processed before downloading.
• E-Verify your ITR if not verified – If your ITR is pending verification, complete the e-verification process using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC.

Common Errors While Downloading ITR Copy Online and How to Fix Them

1. Unable to Log in to the e-Filing Portal

Solution – Reset your password using OTP on Aadhaar, registered email, or mobile number.

2. ITR Not Available for Download

Solution – Ensure you have successfully filed the return. If it is missing, check your email for ITR-V.

3. Downloaded ITR Copy is Password-Protected

Solution – Use PAN (in lowercase) + Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY) as the password to open the PDF.

4. Assessment Year Confusion

Solution – Remember, AY is the year after the financial year (For FY 2023-24, select AY 2024-25).
 

Conclusion

Downloading your Income Tax Return (ITR) copy online is a quick and straightforward process through the Income Tax e-Filing portal. Whether for financial documentation, loan applications, or tax compliance, having a soft copy of your ITR ensures easy access when needed.

By following the step-by-step guide provided above, Indian taxpayers can easily retrieve their ITR copy online without any hassle. If you face difficulties, alternate methods like checking your email, consulting your tax advisor, or contacting the Income Tax Department can help.

Stay tax-compliant, keep your ITR records safe, and enjoy a smooth tax-filing.