The honest headline: filing your ITR can cost nothing. What you pay depends on how complex your return is and how much help you want. Here is the full range, so you never overpay.
Cost by option
| Option | Indicative cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Government portal | Free | Simple salary returns |
| DIY platform, free tier | Free | Simple returns |
| DIY platform, paid | From ~₹1,000 | Capital gains, multiple incomes |
| Expert-assisted | Mid-range, by complexity | Hands-off or complex returns |
| Chartered Accountant | Highest, varies | Audits, complex planning |
Costs are indicative for AY 2026-27 and change through the season. Confirm current prices with each service.
Free: the government portal
Filing on incometax.gov.in costs nothing, for any return type. It prefills your salary, TDS and interest income. For a salaried person with one Form 16, this is genuinely all you need, and paying anything would be spending for no benefit.
If your priority is zero cost, this is your option. See how it compares to a paid tool in ClearTax vs Income Tax Portal.
Paid DIY platforms
Platforms like ClearTax and Quicko have free tiers for simple returns and paid plans, typically from around ₹1,000, once you have capital gains, more than one house property, or multiple income sources.
You pay for automation: reading your Form 16, importing capital gains, comparing tax regimes. For a complex return that saves an evening and reduces errors. See the ClearTax pricing guide for detail.
Expert-assisted and CA fees
- Expert-assisted services (like TaxBuddy or ClearTax’s assisted plans) cost more than DIY, priced by complexity. You get a professional to prepare and file for you.
- Chartered Accountants charge the most and vary widely, suited to audits, foreign assets, and tax planning.
For most individuals, a DIY platform or an assisted service covers everything at a fraction of a CA’s fee. Compare in tax filing services India.
Hidden cost: late fees
The cost people forget is the penalty for filing late:
- Section 234F late fee: commonly up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 for lower incomes).
- Section 234A interest on any unpaid tax, growing each month.
This is avoidable. File on time and it is zero. See last date for ITR filing and, if you have already missed it, forgot to file ITR.
What should you actually pay?
- Simple salary return: ₹0. Use the free portal or a free tier.
- Capital gains or freelance income: a paid DIY plan, from around ₹1,000.
- Complex or hands-off: an expert-assisted fee.
- Audit, foreign assets, planning: a CA fee.
The principle: pay for complexity, not for simplicity. Do not let anyone talk you into a costly service for a one-Form-16 return.
If your return needs a paid plan, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file ITR in India?
It can be free on the government portal or a free tier. Paid DIY plans start from around ₹1,000 for complex returns, expert-assisted costs more, and a CA costs the most.
Is it free to file ITR?
Yes, on the government portal for any return, and on free tiers for simple returns. You only pay for automation or expert help.
Why would I pay if filing is free?
For automation and accuracy on complex returns, capital gains, multiple incomes, or to have an expert handle it. For a simple return there is little reason to pay.
What is the late fee for ITR?
Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F (₹1,000 for lower incomes), plus interest on unpaid tax. It is fully avoidable by filing on time.
How much does a CA charge to file ITR?
It varies widely and is the most expensive option, suited to complex cases. Most individuals do not need a CA.
