“Tax filing services” covers everything from a free DIY app to a personal CA. The right one depends on how complex your return is and how much you want handled. Here is how to choose, with real costs.
The three types of service
Tax filing services in India fall into three groups:
- DIY self-file platforms such as ClearTax and Quicko. You file yourself with software help.
- Expert-assisted services such as TaxBuddy or the assisted plans on ClearTax. A professional files for you online.
- Chartered Accountants for complex cases needing personal, in-depth advice.
They differ in cost, effort from you, and how complex a return they suit.
DIY self-file platforms
Best for: Salaried filers, investors and freelancers comfortable doing it themselves.
These platforms read your documents, compute capital gains, and guide you. They are the cheapest paid option and often have a free tier. See the best income tax filing platforms and our ClearTax review.
Effort from you: Moderate. Cost: Free to modest.
Expert-assisted services
Best for: People who want a professional to prepare and file for them, without a full CA engagement.
You share documents online, an assigned expert prepares the return, asks questions, and files after your approval. Good for complex income, first-timers, and handling notices. Compare options in ClearTax vs TaxBuddy and our ClearTax premium review.
Effort from you: Minimal. Cost: Higher than DIY, lower than a CA.
Chartered Accountants
Best for: Genuinely complex situations, business accounts needing audit, intricate capital gains, foreign assets, or ongoing tax planning.
A CA gives personal, tailored advice and can represent you in complex matters. It is the most thorough and the most expensive route, and usually overkill for a simple salaried return.
Effort from you: Low. Cost: Highest.
Cost comparison
| Service | Effort from you | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Government portal | Moderate | Free |
| DIY platform (free tier) | Moderate | Free |
| DIY platform (paid) | Moderate | From ~₹1,000 |
| Expert-assisted | Minimal | Mid-range, by complexity |
| Chartered Accountant | Low | Highest, varies widely |
Costs are indicative for AY 2026-27 and change through the season. Confirm current prices with each service.
Which service should you use?
- Simple salary return: Government portal or a free DIY tier. No need to pay.
- Investments or freelance income, comfortable filing: A paid DIY platform.
- Want it handled, or a complex year: An expert-assisted service.
- Business audit, foreign assets, tax planning: A Chartered Accountant.
Most individuals do not need a CA. A DIY platform or an assisted service covers the vast majority of returns at a fraction of the cost. Not sure you need any paid service? See whether you can file ITR yourself.
If an assisted platform fits your needs, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
What are tax filing services in India?
They range from free DIY platforms and the government portal, to expert-assisted online services, to Chartered Accountants. Each suits a different level of complexity and budget.
Do I need a CA to file my ITR?
Usually not. Most salaried and even freelance returns can be handled by a DIY platform or an assisted service. A CA is for complex cases like audits, foreign assets or tax planning.
What is the cheapest tax filing service?
The government portal is free for all returns. DIY platforms have free tiers for simple returns. Paid services cost more but do more.
What is expert-assisted tax filing?
A service where a professional prepares and files your return online for you, after reviewing your documents. It costs more than DIY but less than a CA.
Which service is best for freelancers?
A DIY platform like ClearTax or Quicko for those comfortable filing, or an expert-assisted service if you want it handled. A CA only for complex business accounts.
