Filing income tax returns (ITR) for the first time can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. From selecting the correct ITR form to claiming deductions and verifying returns, the process involves multiple steps that can overwhelm a new taxpayer. Fortunately, in 2025, several tax filing apps are designed specifically to make the experience smooth, accurate, and beginner-friendly.

This article compares the best ITR filing apps in India for first-time users, focusing on ease of use, expert assistance, speed, and refund tracking. Whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, or student earning taxable income for the first time, these apps cater to a wide range of beginner needs.

Why First-Time Filers Need a Different Kind of App

As a first-time filer, you’re more likely to make errors due to unfamiliarity with tax laws. A good ITR filing app for beginners should offer:

• Clear instructions and a guided workflow
• Auto-fill features from Form 16
• Basic deduction suggestions under Sections 80C, 80D, and more
• CA support or live assistance if you get stuck
• Mobile-friendliness and real-time error checking

TaxBuddy – Best for Expert-Backed Filing for Beginners

TaxBuddy is one of the most reliable platforms for first-time ITR filers. Its intuitive interface, combined with expert-reviewed filing, ensures you don’t make any errors in your first attempt.

Once you upload your Form 16, the app auto-fills your return with salary, TDS, and employer details. The filing is then reviewed by a tax expert to confirm deductions, check eligibility for rebates like Section 87A, and suggest corrections if needed.

For first-timers, TaxBuddy also sends reminders, supports all major ITR forms, and ensures smooth e-verification. It’s perfect for users who want a blend of automation and professional guidance.

myITreturn – Beginner’s Guided Experience

myITreturn offers a unique Q&A interface that works well for users who are completely new to tax filing. Instead of showing full tax forms, the app walks you through a series of basic questions. It determines the applicable ITR form and fills the return for you.

The app also helps you with deduction eligibility, refund estimation, and verification steps. It’s designed to remove complexity and is ideal for first-job holders and those with simple salary income.

Tax2win – CA Filing for First-Timers Who Want Handholding

Tax2win offers dedicated CA-assisted plans where a Chartered Accountant helps you prepare and file your return. This can be especially helpful for first-timers who are anxious about doing it alone or have additional income from freelancing, investments, or rent.

The platform allows you to upload documents, and a tax expert prepares and files your return after a short consultation. The mobile app tracks return status, offers OTP-based e-verification, and even helps you file revised returns if needed.

Quicko – Good for First-Time Investor Filers

Quicko is more popular among investors and traders, but first-time filers with capital gains from mutual funds, ESOPs, or stock sales can benefit from its integration with brokers like Zerodha. It automatically fetches trade data, computes capital gains, and shows tax impact in real-time.

It’s less suitable for purely salaried first-time filers but great if your first ITR includes equity or crypto gains.

Key Features to Consider When Filing for the First Time

Form 16 Upload: This allows the app to auto-fill your salary, TDS, and employer information, saving you from manual errors.

ITR Form Selection: Beginners often don’t know which ITR form to choose. Good apps like TaxBuddy and myITreturn detect this based on your inputs.

Deduction Prompts: Apps should guide you to claim deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and even 80TTA for interest income.

Refund Calculator: Real-time refund estimation helps you know what you’ll get back and avoids overpayment.

E-Verification Help: Filing isn’t complete until verified. The app should help you verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC.

Expert Chat or Call: Whether it’s live chat or video consultation, access to expert help is crucial for first-timers.

Who Should Use These Apps?

Salaried employees starting their careers: Apps like TaxBuddy and myITreturn make it easy to file using just Form 16.

College graduates with internships or stipend income: These apps guide on declaring income from multiple sources.

Freelancers starting under Section 44ADA: Platforms like Tax2win help you understand presumptive taxation even in your first year.

First-job holders eligible for rebate under Section 87A: The right app ensures this is auto-applied to maximize your refund.

Mistakes First-Timers Should Avoid

• Filing incorrect ITR form
• Skipping deductions like PF, LIC, and health insurance
• Failing to verify return after submission
• Declaring only gross salary and forgetting to deduct exemptions like HRA or standard deduction

Conclusion: The Best ITR Filing App for First-Time Filers

Filing your first income tax return can feel overwhelming, but with the right app, it becomes just another digital task. TaxBuddy is ideal for those who want expert-backed filing with minimum hassle. myITreturn is perfect if you want a fully guided experience. Tax2win works well for those who want to file with professional handholding. Quicko serves well for investor-first-timers.