Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is an essential financial responsibility for every taxpayer in India. Whether you are a salaried individual, freelancer, business owner, or investor, filing your ITR ensures compliance with tax laws and helps you claim benefits like refunds, tax deductions, and financial credibility.
With the rise of online ITR filing platforms, taxpayers now have access to fast and hassle-free ways to file their returns. Cleartax ITR is one such platform that provides an easy-to-use interface for individuals and businesses to file their ITR.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about ClearTax ITR filing, including the process, benefits, pricing, and whether it’s the best option for you.
What is ClearTax?
Cleartax is an online tax filing platform that simplifies the process of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR). It offers services for:
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Salaried individuals
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Self-employed professionals & freelancers
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Businesses & startups
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Tax-saving investment guidance
With automated tax calculations, AI-driven suggestions, and expert-assisted filing, ClearTax makes tax filing easy for individuals with limited tax knowledge.
However, is ClearTax ITR filing the best option for you? Let’s find out!
Features & Benefits of ClearTax ITR Filing
✅ 1. Easy Online Filing Process
ClearTax offers a user-friendly interface that allows taxpayers to file returns in minutes.
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Upload Form 16 (for salaried individuals) for automatic data entry.
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Pre-filled forms using PAN-linked income data.
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Step-by-step guidance for easy tax filing.
✅ 2. Automatic Tax Calculation
ClearTax automatically calculates tax liability based on:
✔️ Salary & income sources
✔️ Deductions & exemptions (under 80C, 80D, etc.)
✔️ Tax-saving investments
✅ 3. Error-Free Filing & Tax Optimization
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Checks for errors & missing details before submission.
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Provides tax-saving recommendations to reduce liability.
✅ 4. Multiple ITR Form Support
ClearTax supports all ITR forms, including:
✔️ ITR-1 (Salaried individuals)
✔️ ITR-2 (Capital gains, multiple incomes)
✔️ ITR-3 (Business owners & professionals)
✔️ ITR-4 (Presumptive taxation)
✅ 5. Expert-Assisted Filing (CA Support)
For complex cases, ClearTax offers CA-assisted filing to ensure:
✔️ Accurate tax computation
✔️ Maximum deductions claimed
✔️ Tax notice handling & advice
✅ 6. Faster Tax Refund Processing
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Ensures quick submission to avoid refund delays.
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Tracks refund status and notifies users.
✅ 7. Secure Data Protection
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Uses encrypted systems to protect financial data.
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Ensures privacy compliance for tax records.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR on ClearTax
Follow these simple steps to file your ITR using ClearTax:
Step 1: Log in to ClearTax Website
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Visit www.cleartax.in.
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Sign up or log in using your email or Google account.
Step 2: Upload Form 16 or Enter Income Details
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Salaried individuals can upload Form 16, and ClearTax will auto-fill details.
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Self-employed individuals need to manually enter income details.
Step 3: Claim Deductions & Exemptions
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Select tax-saving investments under 80C, 80D, HRA, etc..
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The system suggests additional deductions to reduce tax liability.
Step 4: Check Tax Liability & Refund Status
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ClearTax automatically calculates your total tax liability.
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If excess tax was paid, it shows refund eligibility.
Step 5: Pay Tax (If Applicable)
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If tax is due, pay online through Net Banking, UPI, or Credit Card.
Step 6: Submit ITR & E-Verify
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Review the details and submit the return.
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E-verify using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or DSC to complete the process.
ClearTax Pricing & Plans for ITR Filing
ClearTax offers both free and paid plans for different taxpayer needs.
| Plan Type | Who Should Use It? | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan (Free) | Salaried individuals with Form 16 | ₹0 |
| Assisted Plan | Salaried individuals without Form 16 | ₹799 – ₹1,199 |
| CA-Assisted Plan | Self-employed professionals & investors | ₹2,499 – ₹4,999 |
| Business ITR Plan | Business owners & freelancers | ₹6,999 – ₹9,999 |
✔️ Free ITR filing is available for simple returns.
✔️ Paid plans are ideal for complex tax situations.
ClearTax ITR vs. Other Tax Filing Platforms
| Feature | ClearTax | Government e-Filing | Other Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| User-Friendly Interface | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Manual entry) | ✅ Yes |
| Auto-Fill Form 16 Data | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Tax-Saving Suggestions | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Expert CA Assistance | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pricing | Free & Paid | Free | Paid |
✔️ ClearTax is best for users looking for easy, guided tax filing.
✔️ Government portal is better for experienced taxpayers who prefer manual filing.
Common Issues with ClearTax & How to Avoid Them
???? Limited Free Features:
✔️ Use free government portal if you don’t need advanced support.
???? High Pricing for Business Plans:
✔️ Consider alternative tax platforms for cheaper business filings.
???? Delay in Refund Processing:
✔️ File early to avoid refund delays.
Is ClearTax the Best Platform for You?
✔️ Use ClearTax if:
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You want an easy-to-use online ITR filing tool.
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You are a salaried individual with Form 16.
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You need CA assistance for complex tax cases.
❌ Consider Alternatives if:
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You want free tax filing without extra services.
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You run a business and need affordable options.
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You prefer manual tax filing on the government portal.
For those looking for professional tax assistance, platforms like The Tax Shila offer expert CA-assisted ITR filing at competitive rates! ????
Cleartax ITR provides a simple and fast way to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) online. It is an excellent choice for salaried individuals and those who want hassle-free tax filing with automated calculations and expert guidance. However, for business owners, freelancers, and investors, professional CA-assisted tax filing from The Tax Shila may be a better alternative with personalized financial planning and lower fees.