Pricing at a glance
| Plan | Who it is for | Indicative price (AY 2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| Free self-file | Salary, one Form 16, simple income | Free |
| Self-file (paid) | Capital gains, house property, multiple incomes | From ~₹1,000+ |
| Expert-assisted | An expert prepares and files for you | Higher, varies with complexity |
| Business / presumptive | Freelancers, small business, 44ADA/44AD | Varies |
These figures are indicative and change through the season. Always confirm the live price on ClearTax before paying. Pricing is one of the fastest-moving numbers on any tax platform, which is why we do not quote it as fixed.
What each plan covers
Free self-file. Covers a straightforward salaried return: one Form 16, standard deductions, interest income. If that is your whole return, you may not need to pay at all, and the free government portal is another zero-cost option.
Self-file (paid). Unlocks capital gains, more than one house property, and multiple income sources. This is the plan most salaried investors land on, because the free tier does not handle stock or mutual fund gains.
Expert-assisted. A tax expert prepares your return, asks you questions, and files it. Priced by how complex your return is. Good if you want it handled rather than doing it yourself.
Business and presumptive. For freelancers and small business owners, including presumptive taxation under 44ADA or 44AD. Priced separately.
Which plan do you actually need?
- One Form 16, nothing else: Free tier, or file free on the government portal.
- Salary + stocks or mutual funds: Paid self-file. This is the common case.
- Freelancer or consultant: Business/presumptive plan.
- You want zero DIY: Expert-assisted.
Example. Meera, a salaried analyst, started on the free tier, then hit a wall when she added her mutual fund redemptions. The free plan could not compute her capital gains, so she moved to the paid self-file plan. The lesson: if you have investments, budget for the paid plan from the start rather than being surprised at checkout.
Is ClearTax free?
Partly. There is a genuine free tier for simple salaried returns. But capital gains, business income, and expert help all require paying. So “ClearTax is free” is true only for the simplest returns. For a fuller answer, see our guide on whether ClearTax is free.
If your return is simple and you only want free, the government portal at incometax.gov.in does the same job at no cost. ClearTax earns its fee when your return is complex enough that its automation saves you real time.
Why prices rise near the deadline
Tax platforms often raise prices as 31 July approaches, when demand peaks and people file in a panic. If you know you will use a paid plan, filing early can mean a lower price and a calmer experience. Leaving it to the last week can cost more and risk a slow, crowded portal.
Is it worth the money?
For a simple return, no. Pay nothing and use the free portal.
For a return with capital gains, business income, or several income sources, usually yes. The paid fee is normally less than the value of the evening it saves and the mistakes it prevents. A wrong capital gains figure or a missed deduction can cost more than the plan. For the full picture, read our ClearTax review and the guide on whether ClearTax is worth it.
If a paid plan fits your situation, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
How much does ClearTax cost? It ranges from free for simple salaried returns to a paid self-file plan from around ₹1,000 or more for capital gains and multiple incomes, up to higher expert-assisted pricing. Confirm the current price on ClearTax, as it changes through the season.
Is ClearTax really free? There is a free tier for simple returns, but capital gains, business income and expert help are paid. Most people who benefit from ClearTax use a paid plan.
Which ClearTax plan do I need for capital gains? The paid self-file plan. The free tier does not compute capital gains from stocks or mutual funds.
Does ClearTax charge more closer to the deadline? Prices often rise as 31 July approaches. Filing early can mean a lower price and a smoother experience.
Is the paid plan worth it? For complex returns, usually yes, because the time saved and errors avoided outweigh the fee. For a simple salary return, the free government portal is enough.
