Here is the list of some private firms which can ease your IT returns filing online.

While some of these websites provide you the facility to file your IT returns all by yourself for FREE, some have a nominal fee for a similar service.

But, if you want the help of a Chartered Accountant, then the pricing options differ.

Let's have a look at them.

1. ClearTax

Having founded in 2011 by Archit Gupta, ClearTax is by far the best option we could come across for filing your tax returns. They provide some detailed information explaining the process and the design is also quite user friendly.

If you are a salaried person, you also have an option to upload the PDF of Form 16 directly in to the site and the relevant details are automatically pulled from the file. While the service is free, you can also avail the help of a CA at different price options.

ClearTax also has exclusive partnerships with Govt of Karnataka and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. It is also the fourth Indian startup to have been funded by Y Combinator and the first one to be focused on the Indian market.

You can also try out ClearTax App on your Android smartphone.

2. H&R Block

Being one of the oldest players, the H&R Block was founded in USA in 1955 by Henry Bloch and Richard Bloch. Though it was founded in USA, the firm now has its offices in India, Canada, Australia and Brazil.

It gives a free option to file your IT returns by yourself. Along with this, the firm also has other options like assisted income tax e-filing and In-person Tax e-filing with varied prices. The firm we believe to be a pretty decent alternative to ClearTax with clean layouts and user friendly options.

3. TaxSpanner

Started in 2007, New Delhi and Bangalore based TaxSpanner has been registered with the Income Tax dept of Govt of India as an e-return intermediary. Unlike the above two services, TaxSpanner doesn't offer any free services even if you are planning to file by yourself. But, if you are going to need CA service, then you might want to check this out.

TaxSpanner has a pretty good design and some easy to follow tutorials while also it allows you to hire a dedicated CA for Rs 4,499. While this service is not for everyone, if you have to hire a full time CA and don't know where to go, then this might be your destination.

TaxSpanner is also available on Google Play Store.

4. MyITReturn

MyITReturn was started in 2006 and is a subsidiary of Skorydov Systems Pvt Ltd. The MyITReturn's website and Android App, both come with a pretty clean interface allowing you to file your returns yourself which is again a free service much like ClearTax and H&R Block.

The service has a pricing chart which can easily help you decide among its various plans and see which one fits your pocket the best. What we liked a lot about MyITReturn is that it has a special package if you have an income from outside India or if you work as a freelancer.

5. MyTaxCafe

Kanpur based MyTaxCafe is a pretty simple to use website which is quite minimalistic in nature. Again, the firm provides you free service if you want to file all by yourself. But, if you would like to use the help of a CA, then the priced options vary from Rs 499 to Rs 2,499.

However, if you decide to file your IT returns by yourself, you might observe that the website lacks the feature to upload your Form 16 as a PDF.

Tags : e-IT Returns, Income Tax