With the rise of simplified digital tools, salaried taxpayers in India are moving away from traditional methods of filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR). Whether you’re claiming deductions under Section 80C, uploading Form 16, or checking refund status, DIY tax platforms now offer everything you need in a few clicks.
The Assessment Year 2025–26 brings a sharper focus on convenience, regime comparison, and automation. If you’re a salaried individual planning to file your ITR quickly, accurately, and affordably, this guide compares the best DIY tax platforms for 2025 based on features, ease of use, cost, and overall experience.
What Salaried Employees Need from a DIY Tax Platform
Before jumping into the comparison, it’s important to understand what most salaried users require when filing taxes online:
- Upload and auto-read Form 16
- Comparison between new and old tax regime
- Claim deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, etc.) easily
- Integration with Form 26AS and AIS
- Accurate refund estimation
- Error-free filing within minutes
- Optional expert review if needed
- Quick refund tracking
Platforms that streamline these tasks are the ones that rank higher for salaried users in 2025.
1. TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy offers a smart and intuitive DIY filing app tailored for salaried taxpayers. It focuses on automation, guided steps, and regime comparison—all within a beginner-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Upload Form 16 and auto-fill all fields
- Suggests deductions based on salary breakup
- Compares old vs new regime with refund preview
- Fetches AIS and Form 26AS automatically
- Tracks refunds and e-verification status
- CA-assisted help available as an upgrade
Why Salaried Users Prefer It:
The platform simplifies everything—from HRA claims to choosing between tax regimes. Its refund estimate is accurate, and even first-time filers find the process seamless.
Pricing:
Free for basic salaried ITR; nominal charges for expert review or complex cases
Best For:
Salaried individuals looking for a mix of automation and support, especially those with HRA, 80C, and home loan deductions
2. ClearTax
ClearTax remains one of the most popular platforms among salaried professionals. Its clean UI, fast processing, and step-by-step assistance make it reliable for those with straightforward tax returns.
Key Features:
- Upload Form 16 or enter details manually
- Deductions for 80C, 80D, etc., guided clearly
- Refund tracking on dashboard
- Option to consult a CA within the platform
Why Salaried Users Prefer It:
ClearTax is easy to use and ideal for users who already have Form 16 ready and want a no-fuss experience.
Pricing:
Free for basic use; premium version includes CA consultation
Best For:
Users with basic salary income who want a fast, proven, and easy interface
3. Tax2Win
Tax2Win provides a flexible experience with both DIY and assisted options. Its DIY product is user-friendly and suitable for salaried individuals with a moderate understanding of taxes.
Key Features:
- Covers ITR-1 and ITR-2 for salary and capital gains
- Upload Form 16 or fill manually
- Smart deduction prompts
- Refund updates and correction options
- Easy switch to expert CA if needed
Why Salaried Users Prefer It:
It’s ideal for people who want to begin DIY but may want professional help midway, especially for tricky deductions or multiple incomes.
Pricing:
Free for DIY; assisted filing starts around ₹499
Best For:
Users who want the option to upgrade to expert filing if needed
4. Quicko
Quicko is more focused on capital gains and investment-based incomes, but its ITR-1 support is decent for salaried users as well. It’s best suited for tech-savvy users with trading income alongside salary.
Key Features:
- Smart interface with capital gain calculators
- Portfolio integration with brokers
- AIS and 26AS sync
- Form 16 supported but less automated than others
Why Salaried Users Prefer It:
It works best for those who have salary + investment income and want to calculate capital gains alongside.
Pricing:
Free for basic ITR-1 filing; investment integration plans are paid
Best For:
Young professionals and salaried traders who want DIY tax plus investment tracking
5. myITreturn
myITreturn is a government-authorized platform offering simple DIY tax filing. It’s known for mobile compatibility and quick refunds.
Key Features:
- Simple form-based input
- Supports Form 16 uploads
- Refund tracking and TDS matching
- Focused on ease and security
Why Salaried Users Prefer It:
Ideal for mobile-first users or those who want to file their taxes in 10 minutes or less.
Pricing:
Free basic filing; paid options include expert help
Best For:
Salaried individuals with very simple income structure and minimal deductions
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | Form 16 Upload | Regime Comparison | Expert Help | Refund Tracking | Mobile App |
| TaxBuddy | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| ClearTax | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Tax2Win | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Quicko | Yes | Limited | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| myITreturn | Yes | No | Optional | Yes | Yes |
How to Choose the Right One for You
If you’re a salaried employee choosing a DIY tax platform in 2025, here are some things to consider:
- Go with TaxBuddy if you want smart deductions, regime comparison, refund estimation, and optional CA support
- Choose ClearTax if you want clean design and fast, basic filing without much fuss
- Try Tax2Win if you need flexibility to shift to expert filing
- Opt for Quicko if you also have stocks or crypto alongside your salary
- Use myITreturn if your case is very simple and you prefer mobile-first filing
Conclusion
Filing income tax returns in 2025 has never been easier for salaried employees. Thanks to DIY platforms like TaxBuddy, ClearTax, and others, you can complete your filing accurately and quickly—without visiting a tax office or decoding endless sections.
While all platforms serve the same goal, TaxBuddy stands out as the most balanced solution, especially for users who want a guided, stress-free journey with the option of expert intervention. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned salaried professional, choosing the right DIY app can help you save both time and money—plus maximize your refund with zero errors.