Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the first time can feel like stepping into a maze — confusing terminology, endless form options, and a fear of making costly mistakes. But in 2025, first-time taxpayers in India have an easier way to file their returns without hiring a Chartered Accountant or spending hours on the government portal. Enter TaxBuddy — a user-friendly DIY income tax filing app built for beginners.
In this article, we’ll explain why so many first-time ITR filers trust TaxBuddy’s DIY platform and how it simplifies tax filing in a way that feels natural, safe, and stress-free.
Why Filing Your First ITR Matters
Before we dive into the “how”, let’s quickly understand the “why”. Filing your ITR isn’t just a legal obligation — it’s a financial step that can help you:
- Claim tax refunds
- Build income proof for loans, visas, and more
- Carry forward capital losses
- Avoid penalties and interest
- Stay compliant and transparent
Even if your income is below the taxable threshold, filing your return builds your financial track record.
What Makes First-Time Filing Confusing?
New taxpayers often get overwhelmed by:
- Choosing the correct ITR form
- Understanding which incomes to report
- Figuring out deductions and exemptions
- Navigating the Income Tax website interface
- Dealing with Form 16, Form 26AS, and AIS
This is exactly where a platform like TaxBuddy makes a difference — by guiding you step by step, using simple language and automated tools.
How TaxBuddy Simplifies First-Time Filing
TaxBuddy’s DIY platform is built to be beginner-friendly. Here’s how it works, and why it’s ideal for first-time users:
1. No Tax Jargon — Just Guided Questions
Instead of asking you to “enter details under Schedule VI-A” or choose an ITR form manually, TaxBuddy starts with simple prompts:
- Are you salaried?
- Do you have interest income from a savings account or FD?
- Do you want to claim any tax-saving investments?
Based on your answers, the platform selects the right form (like ITR-1 or ITR-2) and unlocks only the relevant fields, so you’re not overwhelmed.
2. Upload Form 16 — Let TaxBuddy Auto-Fill the Rest
If you’re a salaried employee, TaxBuddy allows you to upload your Form 16 directly. The app extracts your income, TDS, and deductions, and fills your return automatically. You just need to verify that the values are correct.
This feature eliminates manual data entry errors — a common source of confusion for beginners.
3. Automatic Import of 26AS and AIS Data
TaxBuddy syncs with the Income Tax Department to fetch your Form 26AS and AIS details. This helps match TDS, reported interest, or high-value transactions — all without needing you to download PDFs or compare documents.
This ensures your return is accurate and reduces the risk of receiving a notice later for mismatch.
4. Smart Suggestions for Tax Deductions
Many first-time filers miss out on deductions they are eligible for. TaxBuddy’s DIY app suggests common and personalized deductions based on your profile:
- Section 80C for LIC, PPF, ELSS, and tuition fees
- Section 80D for health insurance
- Section 80TTA for savings account interest
- HRA exemption or 80GG for rent
This helps maximize your refund and ensures no benefit is left unclaimed.
5. Compare Old vs. New Tax Regime Automatically
The DIY platform compares your tax under both regimes and shows a side-by-side result — helping you choose what’s more beneficial without requiring any tax calculations.
This is especially useful for those unsure about which regime to pick in their first year of filing.
6. Visual Summary Before You Submit
Before filing, TaxBuddy shows you a clear breakdown:
- Total income
- Deductions claimed
- Net taxable income
- Total tax paid or refund due
This transparent preview gives you confidence in your filing — and helps you understand how your tax was calculated.
7. Built-In Support Without Leaving the App
If you get stuck, you don’t need to open another website or wait on helplines. TaxBuddy’s in-app support helps you understand what a field means or what document is needed. For common issues, instant FAQs and chat assistance are available.
And if you still need extra help, you can switch to their expert-assisted filing option with just one click — no duplicate data entry required.
8. E-Verify Instantly — Filing Done in Minutes
Once you submit your return, TaxBuddy guides you through e-verification, which is mandatory. You can do this through:
- Aadhaar OTP
- Net banking
- Bank account validation
The entire process — from start to finish — can be completed in under 20 minutes for most salaried users.
9. Keep Track of Refunds and Notices
Even after filing, TaxBuddy keeps you updated about your refund status and notifies you if the tax department sends any intimation or adjustment. You don’t need to manually track anything.
This post-filing support gives first-time users peace of mind.
Why Beginners Trust TaxBuddy Over the Govt Portal
While the Income Tax Department’s portal is robust, it can feel technical and confusing to navigate — especially if you’re unfamiliar with terms like Schedule S, 80C matrix, or income from other sources.
TaxBuddy eliminates this confusion by:
- Asking only simple, relevant questions
- Highlighting errors before submission
- Showing clear refund/tax due results
- Offering human help when you need it
- Supporting uploads of Form 16 for autofill
This combination of simplicity, automation, and guidance is what makes TaxBuddy one of the most preferred DIY tax filing apps for beginners in India.
Who Should Use TaxBuddy’s DIY Filing in 2025?
This platform is ideal for:
- Salaried employees with Form 16
- First-job holders with no other income
- Freelancers with a few invoices or TDS
- Pensioners with one or two income sources
- Students or interns with taxable stipends
- Anyone filing their ITR for the first time
Conclusion
Filing your first income tax return doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming, or scary. With the right platform, you can understand your taxes, file accurately, and even save more money — all by yourself. That’s why thousands of first-time filers in India are choosing TaxBuddy’s DIY filing app in 2025.
Whether you’re new to taxes or just want a simple, reliable tool to get started, TaxBuddy gives you the control and confidence to file your return — without errors, stress, or expensive fees. So go ahead, try filing your first ITR with TaxBuddy — and experience just how easy tax filing can be.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
