Filing income tax returns can be a daunting task for individuals and businesses alike. With changing tax laws, digital compliance mandates, and the need for accurate deductions, relying solely on manual processes is risky and time-consuming. Fortunately, income tax filing software has revolutionized the way we file taxes—making it faster, more accurate, and accessible.
This comprehensive guide compares the best income tax filing software in 2025, helping you choose the right one based on features, pricing, ease of use, and support.
Why Use Income Tax Filing Software?
Income tax filing software simplifies the process of preparing and submitting tax returns. Whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, small business owner, or investor, the right platform can help you:
- Avoid calculation errors
- Maximize deductions and refunds
- File on time with proper documentation
- Stay updated with the latest tax rules
Key Benefits:
- Automation of form filling and calculations
- E-filing support for ITR forms
- Document upload (Form 16, capital gains, etc.)
- Tax-saving recommendations
- Audit support (with premium plans)
What to Look for in Tax Filing Software?
Before choosing the software, consider these key factors:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | A clean interface reduces the time and learning curve. |
| Form Support | Ensure support for all ITR types: ITR-1 to ITR-7. |
| Import Capabilities | Ability to upload Form 16, AIS, or capital gains statements easily. |
| Customer Support | Critical if you’re unsure about deductions or receive tax notices. |
| Cost | Evaluate based on your filing needs—some platforms offer free versions for ITR-1. |
Top Income Tax Filing Software in 2025 (India)
Here is a detailed comparison of the most popular tax filing software for Indian taxpayers:
✅ Comparison Table
| Software | Best For | Free Plan | ITR Supported | Ease of Use | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClearTax | Salaried, Freelancers | Yes (ITR-1) | ITR-1 to ITR-4 | ★★★★★ | Live Chat, Email |
| TaxBuddy | Personalized tax help | No | ITR-1 to ITR-7 | ★★★★☆ | Phone, WhatsApp |
| Quicko | Investors, Crypto traders | Yes | ITR-1 to ITR-4 | ★★★★☆ | Email, Help Center |
| EZTax | Small businesses, NRI | Yes | ITR-1 to ITR-6 | ★★★★ | Phone, Email |
| MyITReturn | Beginners | Yes | ITR-1 to ITR-4 | ★★★★☆ | Chat, Email |
| Winman (Offline) | CA professionals | No (Paid) | All ITR forms | ★★★ | Email only |
1. ClearTax – Most Popular and User-Friendly
ClearTax is one of the most trusted platforms in India, especially among salaried employees and freelancers.
Key Features:
- Auto-fetch Form 16 and AIS from the income tax portal
- Capital gains tax support (Stocks, Mutual Funds)
- Deduction recommendations
- GST filing support for small businesses
- Chartered Accountant-assisted filing available
Pricing:
| Plan | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ₹0 | For ITR-1 (salaried individuals) |
| Assisted Filing | ₹799 – ₹2,999 | With expert CA assistance |
| Business Plans | Custom pricing | Includes GST, TDS, and audit filing |
Ideal For: Salaried professionals, freelancers, and investors.
2. TaxBuddy – Personalized Tax Support with Expert Advice
TaxBuddy offers a hands-on, human-assisted approach to tax filing. Great for users who prefer professional help rather than self-filing.
Features:
- Tax planner assigned for each customer
- Phone call consultation with experts
- Tax notice support and refund tracking
- Detailed tax audit support
Pricing:
| Plan Name | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Filing Only | ₹599 onwards | Includes ITR preparation and e-filing |
| Advanced Plan | ₹1,499+ | Includes tax planning + advisory |
Ideal For: People with multiple income sources or those who want an expert to handle everything.
3. Quicko – Great for Investors and Crypto Traders
Quicko is a modern platform with excellent tools for stock market and crypto investors.
Features:
- Auto-import data from Zerodha, Groww, CoinSwitch
- Capital gains calculator for equity, mutual funds, crypto
- Auto-matching with AIS and Form 26AS
- Pre-filled ITRs
- Business tax support
Pricing:
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ₹0 | Basic ITR filing |
| DIY Premium | ₹999 | Crypto + Capital Gains support |
| CA-Assisted Filing | ₹1,999+ | Expert support for complex returns |
Ideal For: Stock market investors, crypto users, and freelancers.
4. EZTax – Best for Small Businesses and NRIs
EZTax is a versatile tool with robust business and NRI support.
Features:
- Supports ITR-1 to ITR-6
- GST, TDS, and accounting modules
- Property income and capital gains
- Support for US/UK NRIs
Pricing:
| Version | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Free Online Filing | ₹0 | Limited to salaried individuals |
| Expert Filing | ₹799 – ₹1,499 | Tax filing by professionals |
| Business Suite | Custom | TDS, GST, and accounting combined |
Ideal For: Small businesses, rental income earners, and NRIs.
5. MyITReturn – Beginner-Friendly and Quick
MyITReturn is an approved e-return intermediary by the Income Tax Department and offers a clean interface for beginners.
Features:
- Auto-generated ITR forms
- In-app guidance and suggestions
- Document storage for future filings
- Available in regional languages
Pricing:
| Plan | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Self Filing | Free | For ITR-1 and ITR-2 |
| Expert Plan | ₹499 onwards | Review + filing with CA |
Ideal For: First-time filers and salaried individuals.
6. Winman – Offline Solution for Professionals
Winman is an offline desktop-based software used mostly by tax professionals, CAs, and large firms.
Features:
- Detailed input for all heads of income
- Audit report generation
- TDS, GST, and ROC compliance modules
- Not cloud-based (runs on Windows)
Pricing:
- Annual license fee starts at ₹6,000
- No free plan
- Designed for multi-client handling
Ideal For: Chartered Accountants and tax professionals handling multiple clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Tax Filing Software
- Ignoring Form Support
Ensure the software supports the ITR form relevant to your income sources. - Overlooking Capital Gains & Investments
If you invest in stocks, mutual funds, or crypto, you need a platform that accurately handles capital gains. - Missing Integration with AIS/Form 26AS
Software with auto-import saves time and reduces errors. - Assuming Free Means All-Inclusive
Free versions are often limited to ITR-1. Always review plan inclusions.
FAQs on Income Tax Filing Software
Q1: Can I file my taxes for free using these software platforms?
Yes, most platforms offer free filing for ITR-1 (salaried individuals). For additional services like capital gains or business income, paid plans are needed.
Q2: Are these platforms approved by the Income Tax Department?
Yes, platforms like ClearTax, MyITReturn, EZTax, and Quicko are authorized e-return intermediaries.
Q3: Can I use these platforms to file returns for previous years?
Many platforms allow filing revised or belated returns for previous years as long as the window is open per ITD guidelines.
Q4: Is CA assistance necessary?
Not always. If your income is straightforward (e.g., salary + savings interest), DIY platforms are enough. For complex cases, expert guidance helps.