The plans at a glance
| Plan | Who it is for | What it unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Free self-file | Simple salary return | Salary, standard deductions, interest |
| Paid self-file | Salaried investors | Capital gains, multiple incomes, extra property |
| Expert-assisted | Hands-off filers | An expert prepares and files for you |
| Business / presumptive | Freelancers, small business | 44ADA/44AD income, business filing |
Exact plan names and prices change through the season. Confirm the current line-up on ClearTax, and see our ClearTax pricing guide for cost detail.
Free self-file
For: A salaried person with one Form 16, standard deductions, and interest income. If that is your whole return, this plan files it at no cost.
Skip it if you have capital gains or business income, because it will not compute those. You would hit a wall and need to upgrade.
Paid self-file
For: The most common upgrade. Salaried people who also have capital gains from stocks or mutual funds, more than one house property, or several income sources.
This plan unlocks the capital gains import and computation that makes ClearTax worth paying for. If you invest, this is usually the plan you need.
Expert-assisted
For: People who would rather not file themselves. An expert reviews your documents, prepares the return, and files after your approval.
Good for complex returns, first-timers who feel out of their depth, or anyone who values time over the fee. Priced higher because you are paying for a professional’s time. If you want fully hands-off, see how this compares in ClearTax vs TaxBuddy.
Business and presumptive
For: Freelancers, consultants and small business owners, including those using presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA or 44AD.
This plan handles business income and the relevant forms. If you are a freelancer deciding between doing it yourself and getting help, it also pairs with the assisted option.
How to pick your plan
- Only a salary? Free self-file, or the free government portal.
- Salary plus investments? Paid self-file.
- Freelancer or business? Business/presumptive plan.
- Want it done for you? Expert-assisted.
Example. Sneha assumed she needed the expert plan because she had “investments”. In fact she only had a salary and some mutual fund redemptions, so the paid self-file plan was enough and cheaper. Match the plan to what your return actually contains, not to how complicated it feels.
Once you know your plan, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Which ClearTax plan do I need? Free self-file for a simple salary return, paid self-file if you have capital gains or multiple incomes, expert-assisted if you want it done for you, and the business plan for freelancers and small business.
What is the difference between self-file and assisted plans? Self-file means you file yourself with the platform’s guidance. Assisted means a ClearTax expert prepares and files the return for you, for a higher fee.
Which plan handles capital gains? The paid self-file plan. The free plan does not compute capital gains from stocks or mutual funds.
Can I upgrade my plan mid-way? Generally yes. Many people start on the free plan and upgrade when they hit capital gains or business income. Check the current upgrade flow on ClearTax.
Which plan is best for freelancers? The business/presumptive plan, or the assisted plan if you want an expert to handle it.
