Step 1 — Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Ensure the company’s authorised signatory holds a valid DSC for digitally signing and submitting the return.
Step 2 — Gather all required documents: Collect audited financial statements, bank statements, GST returns (if applicable), TDS certificates, tax challans (advance/self-assessment), previous year’s ITR, ledgers, invoices and supporting vouchers.
Step 3 — Finalise & audit financial statements: Prepare the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, Cash Flow Statement and Notes to Accounts, and get these audited and signed by the company’s CA.
Step 4 — Complete Tax Audit (if applicable): If turnover exceeds the Section 44AB threshold, have the CA prepare and sign the Tax Audit report (Form 3CA/3CB and Form 3CD) before filing.
Step 5 — Reconcile books with taxes and GST: Reconcile bank statements, TDS records, and GST returns to ensure figures in the ITR match source documents and Form 26AS.
Step 6 — Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal: Access the portal using the company’s PAN credentials and choose the ITR filing section.
Step 7 — Select the correct ITR form: Most Private Limited Companies file ITR-6 (confirm exceptions—e.g., charities under Section 11).
Step 8 — Complete the return accurately: Enter company details, head-wise income, deductions, tax computation (including MAT/AMT if relevant), and disclosure schedules as required.
Step 9 — Upload required reports & attachments: Attach the Tax Audit report (if applicable) and other mandated schedules or supporting documents as prompted by the portal.
Step 10 — Verify, submit and preserve records: Validate entries, submit and sign the return using the company’s DSC (e-verification via DSC is mandatory for companies). Download the acknowledgement/ITR-V and retain all supporting documents as per statutory requirements.