Need Help Filing Your ITR?
Download ITR Online
Need a copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR)? Learn how to access your filed ITR PDF, ITR-V acknowledgement and previous-year return documents online. You can also get guidance on downloading documents required for loans, visa applications and financial verification.
Need Help Downloading Your ITR Documents?
Get guidance with ITR PDFs, ITR-V acknowledgements, previous-year returns, Form 26AS and supporting documents for loan or visa applications. If you also need a detailed tax calculation, see how to download your ITR computation statement.
How to Download Your Income Tax Return Online
Already filed your ITR? Here are the available routes for accessing your return, acknowledgement and supporting filing records.
Quick Answer: Where Can You Download Your ITR?
You can download your filed Income Tax Return (ITR) from the official Income Tax Department e-Filing portal. Sign in, open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns , locate the required assessment year and select the relevant download option.
Access Your Easy Return Account
- Visit the Easy Return login page.
- Sign in using your registered account credentials.
- Check your dashboard or filing history for an available ITR document or download option.
- Select the relevant year and download your available filing documents.
Document availability depends on the returns accessible through your Easy Return account.
Download from Income Tax e-Filing
- Visit incometax.gov.in and sign in.
- Open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns .
- Find the required assessment year, using the available filters if necessary.
- Download the ITR PDF, ITR-V acknowledgement or other available return records.
Government portal access requires the applicable sign-in and verification requirements.
You Filed Your Return. Now You Need a Copy.
A bank may request your ITR while reviewing a home loan. An embassy or visa application centre may require financial records. Your employer or another organisation may also ask for proof of income.
Whatever your reason, downloading your ITR online gives you a saved copy of the return already filed with the Income Tax Department. You can access eligible past filings through your e-Filing account.
An ITR download does not mean submitting a new income-tax return. It simply means retrieving an existing filing record, normally as a PDF or another format made available by the portal.
Which Documents Can You Download After Filing ITR?
The e-Filing portal may provide these three commonly used return-related records. Each serves a different purpose.
1. Filed ITR Form (PDF)
A copy of the submitted income-tax return containing the reported income, deductions, tax details and applicable return schedules. This is commonly requested for income verification, subject to the recipient's document requirements.
2. ITR-V Acknowledgement
An acknowledgement identifying the filed return, filing date and acknowledgement number. Learn the difference between ITR-V acknowledgement and ITR computation before submitting documents to a bank or another organisation.
3. Uploaded ITR JSON File
The structured return-data file associated with a return submitted through the applicable offline filing utility. It may be useful for technical records or filing-related work, but is not generally the first document requested as income proof.
Important: An acknowledgement confirms filing details, but you should separately check whether the return has been successfully verified. Also, banks, lenders and visa authorities may request different combinations of documents, such as the filed ITR, acknowledgement, computation statement or tax records. Confirm their exact requirements before submission.
What Is ITR and Why Do You Need to Download It?
ITR stands for Income Tax Return. It is the prescribed return used to report taxable income, eligible deductions, tax payments and other required information to the Income Tax Department.
Loan and Credit Applications
Banks and lenders may request filed ITRs as evidence of income when assessing home loans, personal loans, business loans or other credit applications. Some request multiple assessment years.
Visa and Travel Documentation
Depending on the destination country, visa category and applicant's circumstances, an embassy or visa processing centre may request ITRs to assess financial history and income.
Self-Employment Income Proof
Freelancers, consultants and business owners can use filed income-tax returns as supporting income evidence where salary slips are not available. Additional documents may still be required.
Tax Refund and Filing Status
Your ITR acknowledgement contains important filing details, including the acknowledgement number. These can help track the return's processing and refund status using the applicable portal service.
Personal Tax Records and Future Verification
Keep downloaded ITR PDFs, acknowledgements, tax computations and supporting documents for future reference. The appropriate retention period depends on relevant tax proceedings, statutory time limits and the nature of the transaction. There is no universal six- or seven-year rule suitable for every taxpayer and every record.
How to Download ITR Through Easy Return
If your filed return is accessible in your Easy Return account, follow these steps to find its available documents and download a copy.
Log In
Open the Easy Return login page and sign in using your registered account details.
Open Your Dashboard
Access your account dashboard or filing history after successfully signing in.
Find ITR Documents
Look for the available ITR download, document or filing-record option.
Select the Year
Choose the relevant assessment year or filing record from the available list.
Download and Save
Download the available ITR PDF or other document and save a copy securely on your device.
Document availability: Easy Return account access does not automatically mean that every ITR filed on the government portal will appear in the account. Availability depends on the records linked to your Easy Return profile and supported download functionality.
If your document is not available through Easy Return, you can download your filed return directly from the official Income Tax e-Filing portal under e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns .
For the government portal's official instructions, refer to the Income Tax Department's ITR Status Guide.
Ready to Access Your ITR Documents?
Log in to Easy Return, check your available filing records and download the documents linked to your account.
How to Download ITR from the Income Tax Portal
The official Income Tax e-Filing portal provides access to filed income-tax returns, acknowledgements and other available records. Follow these steps to download your ITR online.
Open the Official Portal
Visit incometax.gov.in and select the Login option.
Sign In to Your Account
Enter your registered user ID, generally PAN for an individual, and the required login credentials. Complete any additional verification requested by the portal.
Open the e-File Menu
After signing in, locate e-File in the main navigation of your dashboard.
Select View Filed Returns
Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns .
Find the Assessment Year
Locate the relevant filed return. Use the available assessment-year or filing-type filters if needed. You can also review filing and verification status.
Choose the Download Option
Use the available options beside the selected return to download ITR-V acknowledgement, complete ITR PDF, uploaded JSON where applicable, or an intimation order if available.
Save Your Downloaded ITR
Save the document securely on your computer or mobile device. Check the taxpayer name, assessment year, acknowledgement number and return status before sharing it. If a downloaded file requests a password, use the instructions shown for that particular document.
Official guidance: The Income Tax Department confirms that View Filed Returns supports downloads of the complete return PDF, ITR-V acknowledgement, applicable uploaded JSON and intimation orders.
You can review the official ITR Status user manual for additional instructions.
Easy Return vs Income Tax Portal: Which Download Method Should You Use?
The government portal provides official filed-return records. Easy Return may provide a convenient route to documents associated with your Easy Return account.
| Feature | Easy Return | Income Tax Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Login | Use your registered Easy Return account credentials. | Use your e-Filing account credentials and any required verification. |
| Download Steps | Depends on the available account dashboard and document options. | Login, open View Filed Returns, select the return and download. |
| Previous-Year Returns | Accessible where the relevant records are available in your account. | Current and past filed returns can be viewed through filing history. |
| Computation Statement | May be available through supported computation-document services. | Filed ITR records are available. A separate, professionally prepared computation sheet is not automatically supplied with every filed return. |
| Form 26AS | Depends on available account functionality and authorised access. | Available through the relevant e-Filing and TRACES access route. |
| Refund Status | Depends on supported features and available records. | Official return and refund status information is accessible through the applicable portal services. |
| Source of Filed ITR | Documents linked to your Easy Return account. | Official Income Tax Department filing records. |
Easy Return
Use your registered Easy Return account.
Filed-return and supporting documents linked to your account, where available.
Check whether a supported computation document is available for your return.
Availability depends on account history and linked documents.
TDS and refund information depends on supported account functionality.
Income Tax Portal
Use your government e-Filing account credentials.
Complete filed ITR, ITR-V, applicable JSON and intimation order.
The filed ITR includes tax-related figures. A separate prepared computation sheet is not an automatic filing download.
Current and past returns can be accessed through View Filed Returns.
Official tax-credit, refund and filing-status services are available.
Which should you choose? Use the official portal when you need direct access to the Income Tax Department's filed-return records. If you have an Easy Return account, you can also check for documents linked to that account.
Remember: Neither route should be assumed to provide every tax document for every taxpayer automatically.
What Is an ITR Computation Statement and Why Might You Need One?
A filed ITR shows the information reported to the Income Tax Department. A computation statement helps explain how taxable income and final tax liability were calculated.
A computation of income and tax is a supporting statement prepared from the taxpayer's income, deductions, tax credits and applicable tax rules.
Banks, lenders and other organisations may request this document separately from the filed ITR PDF or ITR-V acknowledgement.
The computation may be prepared using tax-filing software, professional systems or other suitable tools. It should be reconciled with the return actually filed.
Gross Total Income: Income from salary, house property, business, capital gains and other applicable sources.
Eligible Deductions: Deductions such as 80C and 80D under the earlier framework, where permitted by the applicable tax law and regime.
Taxable Income: Income remaining after legally permissible adjustments and deductions.
Income Tax Calculation: Applicable slabs, special tax rates, surcharge and cess.
Rebate: Eligible tax rebate under Section 87A of the earlier Act or the corresponding current-law provision, where applicable.
TDS and TCS: Eligible tax credits reflected in the computation.
Taxes Already Paid: Advance tax and self-assessment tax payments, where relevant.
Final Tax Position: The resulting tax payable, nil balance or refund claimed, subject to assessment and processing.
How to obtain a computation: If an income-tax computation statement was prepared when your return was filed, request it from the filing professional or software provider.
Alternatively, you may prepare a computation using a suitable tax-calculation service, ensuring the income, deductions and tax credits match the applicable filed return.
The official Income Tax Department also offers an income tax calculator with a downloadable calculation PDF. This calculation should not automatically be treated as a certified computation of a previously filed return.
Need Help Finding the Right ITR Document?
Get guidance for ITR PDFs, ITR-V acknowledgements, computation statements, previous-year filings, loan applications and visa documentation.
How to Download Your ITR-V Acknowledgement Online
ITR-V is the acknowledgement associated with your filed income-tax return. It helps identify the filing record and check its verification status.
ITR-V (Income Tax Return – Verification) contains the taxpayer's filing details, assessment year and acknowledgement number. The acknowledgement is useful for filing records and tracking your ITR status.
An ITR-V acknowledgement is not the same as confirmation that the return has been successfully verified or processed. Check the actual status before using it as evidence of a completed filing.
Through Registered Email
Search your registered email inbox for the return acknowledgement sent after filing. Check the spam folder if the message is missing.
The email may include the acknowledgement PDF or filing details.
Through the Income Tax Portal
Sign in to incometax.gov.in, then open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns.
Select the relevant return and use its Download Receipt or ITR-V download option.
Do not miss verification: The general time limit for verifying a filed return or submitting ITR-V is 30 days from filing.
Where verification is delayed, the filing date and validity can be affected. A condonation request may be available for genuine delays, but approval is not automatic.
Follow our guide to verify your income tax return using an eligible method such as Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank-account EVC or demat-account EVC.
How to Download Previous-Year ITR for Loans and Visas
Need an older ITR? Use the filing history on the government portal to access available previous assessment years.
Government Portal
Sign in and open View Filed Returns. Find the required assessment year and select the download option for that return.
The Income Tax Department provides access to past filings associated with the taxpayer's account.
Easy Return Account
Sign in to Easy Return and check your available filing history or documents.
Earlier-year ITRs may be available if those filing records are linked to your account.
For loan applications: Lenders may request more than one year's ITR to review income and repayment capacity.
For visa applications: ITR requirements vary by destination, visa category and applicant circumstances. Always follow the current document checklist issued by the relevant authority.
Assessment Year vs Financial Year: Which ITR Should You Download?
Financial Year and Assessment Year are different terms. Selecting the wrong year can lead to downloading the wrong filing record.
Financial Year (FY)
The period in which the income was earned.
Example: FY 2024–25 covers 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Assessment Year (AY)
Under the earlier income-tax framework, the year following the financial year, used for assessment and return filing.
Example: FY 2024–25 corresponds to AY 2025–26.
For an older return: If you need the ITR for income earned during FY 2024–25, look for AY 2025–26.
2026 transition: The Income-tax Act, 2025 uses the concept of Tax Year from 1 April 2026. For newer filings, follow the year labels displayed by the applicable filing portal rather than assuming that every record uses the earlier AY format.
What Is the ITR PDF Password Format?
A password-protected ITR file may require a document-specific password. Do not assume every downloaded tax PDF uses the same format.
Some income-tax documents use taxpayer identification details as their password, while other files may open without a password.
A commonly encountered password format for certain older tax PDFs is lowercase PAN followed by date of birth in DDMMYYYY. However, the exact format depends on the particular document and its issuing system.
abcde1234f15031985
This combines the illustrative PAN ABCDE1234F and date of birth 15 March 1985, without spaces.
Important: Use this format only when the download instructions for your particular file specify it.
If the PDF does not open, first check whether it actually requires a password. Then review the download instructions, confirm the correct taxpayer details and try a current PDF reader.
How to Download and Open Form 26AS
Form 26AS is an annual tax statement containing relevant tax-credit information. Its password is different from the PAN-plus-DOB format.
Form 26AS helps taxpayers reconcile tax deducted or collected at source against their PAN.
For AY 2023–24 onward, advance-tax and self-assessment-tax information is generally available through the Annual Information Statement (AIS), rather than being shown in Form 26AS in the earlier manner.
You can access Form 26AS through the government e-Filing portal's relevant tax-credit service, which may redirect you to TRACES. See our Form 26AS download guide for further instructions.
DDMMYYYY
TRACES specifies the taxpayer's date of birth in DDMMYYYY format as the Form 26AS password.
Example: For 15 March 1985, enter 15031985. Do not add your PAN.
Easy Return access: If a Form 26AS download feature is available in your Easy Return account, follow its displayed steps. Otherwise use the official e-Filing/TRACES procedure.
Why Is Your Filed ITR Not Showing or Downloading?
Check the return status, correct account, selected year and browser settings before assuming your filing has disappeared.
| Problem | Possible Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| PDF won't open | Wrong password or PDF viewer issue | Follow the specific file's password instructions. Try an updated PDF reader. |
| Filed ITR not showing | Wrong account, year or filing status | Confirm PAN, year, acknowledgement and return status. |
| Return not verified | Verification pending or delayed | Check e-Verify status and applicable condonation options. |
| Download button not working | Browser, session or portal problem | Refresh, sign in again or try another browser. |
| Older return unavailable | Historical filing or account issue | Recheck the year, filing history or contact official support. |
| Wrong ITR information | Error in filed return | Check whether a revised return, rectification or other permitted correction is available. |
| Forgot e-Filing password | Unable to authenticate | Use the official Forgot Password recovery procedure. |
| Form 26AS not loading | TRACES or redirect issue | Retry through the official e-Filing or TRACES access route. |
PDF Won't Open
Cause: Password or viewer problem.
Fix: Check that file's password format and try a current PDF reader.
Filed ITR Not Showing
Cause: Wrong account, year or filing status.
Fix: Confirm PAN, year and acknowledgement details.
Return Not Verified
Cause: Verification pending or delayed.
Fix: Check e-Verify and any applicable condonation process.
Download Button Not Working
Cause: Browser or session issue.
Fix: Retry after signing in, or use another browser.
Old Return Missing
Cause: Historical record or account issue.
Fix: Check the correct year and contact official support if needed.
Wrong Information in ITR
Cause: Filing error.
Fix: Check revised-return or rectification eligibility.
Forgot e-Filing Password
Fix: Use the official Forgot Password process.
Form 26AS Not Loading
Cause: TRACES access or redirect issue.
Fix: Retry through the official portal.
Official help: For unresolved e-Filing issues, use the support options on the Income Tax Department portal.
How to Check Your ITR Refund Status
Check whether your return is processed, whether a refund has been determined and whether payment has been issued.
Sign In
Log in to the official Income Tax e-Filing portal.
Find the Return
Open View Filed Returns and select the relevant filing record.
Review Refund Details
Check the processing and refund status using the portal's available services.
Under Processing
Your return is still being processed. Refund determination may not be complete.
Refund Issued
The refund has been authorised or issued according to the displayed status. Check payment details.
Refund Credited
Refund payment has been credited according to the relevant payment record.
Refund Failed
Payment could not be completed. Check your bank details and refund reissue options.
Refund timing: There is no guaranteed one-to-three-month refund period for every taxpayer. Processing time varies according to verification, processing, adjustments, bank-account validation and other factors.
If you use Easy Return, check whether refund-status information is available within your account. The official portal remains the primary government record.
Details Needed to Download Your ITR
Keep your account credentials and the correct filing year ready.
Easy Return Account
Your registered login details and access to any required verification.
Document availability depends on records linked to your account.
Government e-Filing Account
PAN or registered user ID, portal password and access to required authentication methods.
Know the correct Assessment Year or Tax Year corresponding to the return you need.
Practical tip: Create a secure folder for each tax year. Save your filed ITR, acknowledgement, tax-credit statement and computation together, where available.
Example folder: Tax Documents – AY 2025–26.
How Long Should You Keep Your ITR Documents?
Retain your ITR records for as long as they may be required under applicable tax, financial or legal rules.
Keep copies of filed returns, acknowledgements, computation statements, tax-credit records and supporting documents.
There is no single six-year, seven-year or ten-year retention period that applies to every taxpayer and document.
Record retention should take account of applicable assessment and reassessment provisions, tax disputes, business record obligations and transactions whose cost or ownership history may be needed much later.
For property and investments: Retain acquisition deeds, cost records and supporting documents while the asset is held, and afterwards for the applicable legal and tax period.
For substantial transactions, long-term secure storage may be prudent. A qualified professional can advise on the retention requirements applicable to your case.
Security Tips for Downloaded ITR Files
Your ITR may contain PAN, bank details, income figures and other sensitive information. Store and share it carefully.
Share Privately
Avoid public groups and unnecessary forwarding of tax documents.
Use Secure Storage
Keep backups in access-controlled storage with strong authentication.
Protect Your Login
Use strong credentials and update them immediately if compromise is suspected.
Avoid Untrusted Networks
Prefer a trusted internet connection when accessing financial records.
Never Share OTPs
Do not disclose authentication codes to callers, agents or unknown contacts.
Verify the Website
Check the official domain before entering PAN, passwords or personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downloading ITR Online
Quick answers about ITR PDFs, previous-year returns, acknowledgements, Form 26AS, computation documents and download problems.
01 What is the fastest way to download my ITR?
If your return is accessible in your Easy Return account, sign in and check the available filing history or document-download options.
For direct access to government filing records, visit incometax.gov.in, then go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns and download the relevant ITR.
The number of steps depends on the account interface and authentication requirements.
02 What is the password to open my downloaded ITR PDF?
The password depends on the type of downloaded PDF. Not every ITR-related document uses one universal password format.
For a document that specifically requires lowercase PAN followed by date of birth, the format is abcde1234f15031985 for PAN ABCDE1234F and date of birth 15 March 1985.
Always follow the password instructions accompanying that particular document.
03 Why is my filed ITR not showing in View Filed Returns?
Check that you are signed in with the correct PAN, selected the correct year and successfully submitted the return.
Also review the verification status. The normal verification period is 30 days from filing. An unverified return can become invalid, subject to the applicable rules and condonation procedure.
If filing is confirmed but the download is missing, try signing in again, using another browser or contacting portal support.
04 How many years of ITR can I download?
The Income Tax Department's e-Filing account provides access to available current and previous-year filed-return records.
The number of years available can vary depending on filing history and record availability.
If you cannot find an older return, check your existing records and use the official Income Tax Department's helpdesk services.
05 How do I download my ITR computation statement?
A tax computation statement summarises your income, deductions, tax calculation, tax credits and resulting tax payable or refund.
If a computation was prepared by your filing professional or tax software, you can obtain a copy from that provider.
If your Easy Return account supports computation downloads for the selected return, use the available document option.
The government portal provides filed-return records and also offers tax-calculation tools, but a professionally prepared computation statement is not automatically included with every return download.
06 What is ITR-V and why is it important?
ITR-V means Income Tax Return – Verification. It contains information associated with the filed return, including the acknowledgement number and filing details.
It can help establish filing information and track the return's status. It is also commonly used as supporting documentation for financial applications.
Important: An acknowledgement alone does not necessarily establish that the ITR has been successfully verified or processed.
07 Can I download my ITR online for free?
Yes, downloading available filed-return documents from the official Income Tax e-Filing portal is free.
Access through Easy Return depends on the account, available documents and applicable service terms. Do not confuse free government downloads with optional paid tax-assistance services.
08 How do I download a previous year's income tax return?
On the government portal, sign in and open e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns. Locate the required assessment year and download the available filing.
Easy Return may also provide older returns where the corresponding documents are linked to your account.
For example, income earned during FY 2024–25 corresponds to AY 2025–26.
09 How do I check my ITR filing status after downloading?
Visit the government e-Filing portal and open View Filed Returns. Locate the return to review its available filing, verification and processing status.
The displayed status helps identify whether action is still required. Refund status may be available through the applicable refund tracking service.
10 What is Form 26AS and do I need it to download my ITR?
Form 26AS is an annual tax-credit statement containing relevant TDS and TCS information.
You do not need Form 26AS merely to download an already-filed ITR.
However, checking Form 26AS alongside AIS and other tax records is useful when preparing or reconciling your return. For recent assessment years, certain tax-payment and refund information is available through AIS.
11 How long should I keep my downloaded ITR documents?
Keep your filed ITRs, acknowledgements, tax computations and supporting documents for the periods relevant to your circumstances.
There is no single seven-year retention rule suitable for every taxpayer. Applicable assessment time limits, business record requirements, tax disputes and long-term investments can require different retention periods.
For property ownership, investments and significant transactions, keeping acquisition records and tax evidence securely for the long term can be especially useful.
Need Your ITR Copy? Access Your Available Tax Documents
Sign in to Easy Return to check filing records and available ITR documents linked to your account. Find the relevant year, review the documents and download a copy where the option is available.
Prefer the official route? Open the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about downloading and handling income-tax documents. Portal features, document availability, authentication requirements and tax procedures may change. Always verify the latest instructions through the official Income Tax Department website and your service provider.
CA Sagar Batra
ICAI Registered Chartered Accountant · 10+ Years of Professional Experience · 12,000+ Tax Filings
Chartered Accountant with experience in taxation, compliance and business advisory. His work covers Income Tax, GST, TDS, tax notices, business compliance and financial documentation for individuals and businesses across India.