1. Finalize Books & Audit: Close the company’s books, reconcile accounts, and prepare audited financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, and Notes to Accounts.
2. Confirm Audit Applicability: Check whether statutory, tax, or transfer pricing audits are applicable. Appoint a Chartered Accountant (CA) and ensure audit reports (Form 3CA/3CB & 3CD) are filed with a valid UDIN.
3. Collect Essential Documents: Gather PAN, CIN, DSC, audited financials, bank statements, Form 26AS/AIS, TDS/TCS details, GST returns, loan and investment records, depreciation schedules, and deduction proofs.
4. Update Company Profile: Verify company master data on the Income Tax portal. Ensure the pre-validated bank account, email ID, and authorized signatory details are updated and accurate.
5. Log In & Select Form: Sign in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal using the company’s PAN and select Form ITR-6 (except for companies claiming exemption under Section 11).
6. Choose Filing Mode: Decide between Online Filing or using the JSON Offline Utility for preparing and uploading detailed schedules.
7. Prefill & Reconcile Data: Import pre-filled details from the portal. Cross-check figures with Form 26AS, AIS/TIS, GST returns, and resolve discrepancies, if any.
8. Enter Financial & Tax Information: Fill in schedules related to Balance Sheet, P&L, Depreciation, Business & Profession (BP), Carry Forward Losses (CFL), MAT, Deductions, and TDS/TCS payments.
9. Validate, Upload & Sign: Run validations to check for errors. Generate the JSON file or online preview, upload the return, and e-verify using the company’s DSC.
10. Download & Track: Download the acknowledgment (ITR-V), track the return status and refund progress on the portal, and comply with any follow-up notices or assessments.