There are many advantages of filing ITR online. Some of the benefits are as follows:

* Quick processing: You will get the acknowledgement of ITR promptly. Refunds, if any, are processed faster online than paper-filed returns.

* Accuracy: E-filing software minimizes errors

* Convenience: E-filing facility is available 24×7 and can be done at your convenience

* Privacy: The data entered by you are safe as they cannot be accessed by anyone

* Record of past ITRs: It is easier to access previous data, should you need them at any time in future.

You can download a copy of your Income Tax Return acknowledgement after filing it online. The I-T department sends your ITR-V acknowledgement to your registered e-mail id.

If you are unable to access it, log into your incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in account and follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on ‘My Account’ and go to ‘e-Filed Returns/Forms’ on the official Income Tax department e-filing website.

Step2: You will see a list of e-Filed returns. Click on the Acknowledgement Number of the Assessment Year for which you want to download ITR-V.

Step 3: Under the Download/Status Description, you will find ITR-V/Acknowledgement. Click on the same and the acknowledgment will be downloaded.

Step 4: The downloaded PDF will be password protected. Unlock it by using your PAN in lower case and date of birth (DoB) in the DD/MM/YYYY format.

If you have filed ITR physically, you will need to approach Jurisdictional Income Tax Officer and request for a duplicate copy of your acknowledgement

You are eligible to receive an income tax refund if you have paid more tax to the government than your actual tax liability.

Process to claim a tax refund: In order to claim an income tax refund, it is mandatory to file an ITR.

Once you have filled up the ITR form, click on the validate button on the ‘Taxes paid and Verification’ sheet. The system will auto calculate the refund due to you and the refund amount will appear in the ‘Refund’ row.

Remember that this is the refund amount that you have claimed, not necessarily the amount that will be accepted and paid by the I-T department. Once the income-tax department has verified your ITR and the refund claim made by you, it will communicate the outcome to you. If you have filed ITR electronically, the I-T department will send you an e-mail or an SMS.

Alternatively, one can track the refund status by visiting tin.tin.nsdl.com/oltas/refundstatuslogin.html.

Refund, if accepted as due, will normally be directly credited to the bank account you had given for this purpose in your tax return.

No, it is not mandatory to file an income tax return if your annual income is below Rs 250,000. However, even those who are out of the tax net should consider filing a ‘Nil Return’ to maintain a record.