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If you’re a pensioner or senior citizen, filing your income tax return doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Thanks to platforms like TaxBuddy, you can now file your return on your own — without depending on a tax professional or navigating complex government websites.
In this step-by-step guide, we explain how you can use TaxBuddy’s DIY platform to file your income tax filing for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26), with special attention to the needs and benefits available to pensioners.
Do Pensioners Need to File Income Tax Returns?
Yes. If your total income (including pension, interest income, or rental income) exceeds the basic exemption limit, you are required to file a return. The exemption limits for FY 2024–25 are:
- ₹3,00,000 for individuals aged 60–79 years
- ₹5,00,000 for individuals aged 80 and above
Even if your income is below the limit, it’s advisable to file your ITR if you’ve had TDS deductions, want to claim a refund, or need a valid ITR for visa, loans, or proof of income.
Why TaxBuddy Is Ideal for Pensioners
TaxBuddy is designed to simplify ITR filing, especially for individuals who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with tax rules. Here’s why pensioners prefer it:
- Simple interface and guided steps
- Auto-fetch of Form 26AS and AIS
- Easy integration of pension and interest income
- Section 80D, 80TTB, and other age-specific deductions auto-applied
- Live support and option to upgrade to expert filing if needed
Common Sources of Income for Pensioners
Before filing, gather these details:
- Pension income from government, EPFO, or private organizations
- Interest income from savings accounts, FDs, SCSS, or post office
- Rental income, if any
- TDS details from Form 16 (if applicable) or Form 26AS
- Any capital gains or dividends
- Donations or insurance premiums for deductions
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR as a Pensioner Using TaxBuddy
Step 1: Register or Log In to TaxBuddy
Go to www.taxbuddy.com or open the app. Sign up with your mobile number and email. If you’ve used TaxBuddy before, simply log in to your existing account.
Step 2: Choose the DIY Filing Option
From the dashboard, select “DIY Filing.” This takes you to a simplified return filing interface.
Step 3: Enter Basic Details
Provide your PAN, name, date of birth, Aadhaar, and residential status. Your age will automatically help TaxBuddy assign the correct tax slab and benefits.
Step 4: Import AIS and Form 26AS
TaxBuddy securely fetches your AIS and 26AS from the Income Tax portal after OTP-based authentication. This pulls in:
- Pension amount credited
- Interest income from all banks
- TDS deductions by banks or EPFO
- Any high-value transactions
- Tax already paid
This step ensures your ITR is accurate and complete.
Step 5: Review Auto-Filled Income and Deductions
The platform will pre-fill key income fields based on the imported data:
- Income from pension
- Savings and FD interest
- Dividend income (if any)
You’ll also see available deductions:
- ₹50,000 standard deduction on pension
- ₹50,000 deduction under 80TTB for interest income
- ₹25,000 or ₹50,000 under 80D for medical insurance
- Other deductions under 80C (LIC, PPF, etc.), if applicable
Step 6: Choose Tax Regime
TaxBuddy compares the old and new tax regimes and recommends the better one based on your profile.
- Old regime: Deductions like 80C, 80D, 80TTB allowed
- New regime: Lower tax rates but no deductions
For most pensioners with investments and medical expenses, the old regime usually results in lower tax liability.
Step 7: Validate and File
Once everything is reviewed and confirmed, click on “Validate Return.” TaxBuddy checks for:
- Mismatched TDS
- Missing income entries
- Bank details for refund
- Section 234F compliance for deadlines
After validation, click on “Submit Return.”
Step 8: E-Verify Your ITR
Complete your filing by verifying your return electronically using:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- Pre-validated bank account
- DSC (if applicable, though rarely needed for pensioners)
E-verification completes the process and is mandatory.
Step 9: Acknowledgment and Refund Tracking
After successful filing, you’ll receive your ITR-V acknowledgment within seconds. TaxBuddy also tracks:
- Processing of your return
- Refund status and expected date
- Notices, if any, from the Income Tax Department
Everything is visible on the dashboard, so you never need to visit another website.
Important Tips for Pensioners Filing ITR
Always link your PAN and Aadhaar
- Pre-validate your bank account to receive refunds
- Ensure Form 26AS reflects correct TDS from banks and pension providers
- Keep proof of deductions (like 80D premium receipts) handy
- File before the deadline to avoid penalties under Section 234F
Can Pensioners File ITR Offline?
While paper filing is allowed for super senior citizens (aged 80 and above) with no income other than pension and interest, online filing through platforms like TaxBuddy is still the faster and more convenient option. It helps you track every stage, claim refunds quicker, and avoid errors.
Why TaxBuddy Is a Preferred Platform for Senior Citizens
- Pre-filled data from AIS and 26AS
- Automatic application of deductions for senior citizens
- Simple prompts and fewer clicks
- Option to switch from DIY to expert-assisted filing anytime
- Trusted by thousands of salaried and retired individuals across India
Conclusion
Filing your income tax return as a pensioner doesn’t need to be complicated. With the TaxBuddy DIY platform, you get a guided experience tailored to your needs — whether you receive a government pension, interest from FDs, or both.
Avoid unnecessary stress, ensure accuracy, and claim your rightful refund using a tool built for convenience. So this tax season, skip the paperwork and try TaxBuddy’s easy, error-proof ITR filing solution — made especially simple for pensioners.
