How to Download Prefill JSON from Income Tax Portal

How to Download Prefill JSON from Income Tax Portal

The Income Tax Department provides prefilled data in JSON format that auto-populates your income details when filing your ITR. This data includes salary income, TDS deducted, interest income, and other financial transactions reported by third parties. Downloading the prefill JSON is essential for both online and offline ITR filing.

What is Prefill JSON?

Prefill JSON is a data file in JavaScript Object Notation format that contains your pre-populated income tax details. The income tax department compiles this data from:

• Form 26AS – TDS, TCS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax details
• Annual Information Statement (AIS) – Financial transactions reported by banks, mutual funds, employers, and other entities
• Previous year returns – Carried-forward losses and personal information

Why Download Prefill JSON?

Downloading the prefill JSON saves significant time and reduces errors in filing. The benefits include:

• Auto-population of salary details, TDS amounts, and interest income
• Reduced manual data entry and associated errors
• Easy reconciliation with your own records
• Required for offline filing using the ITR utility software

Step-by-Step Guide to Download Prefill JSON

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal

Visit incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN number and password. Complete OTP verification if prompted.

Step 2: Navigate to e-File Section

After logging in, go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.

Step 3: Select Assessment Year

Choose the correct assessment year. For FY 2024-25, select AY 2025-26.

Step 4: Select Filing Mode

Choose whether you want to file Online or Offline. For offline filing, you will need the JSON file to import into the utility.

Step 5: Select ITR Form

Choose the appropriate ITR form (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, or ITR-4) based on your income sources.

Step 6: Download Prefill JSON

Click on "Prefill and File" or "Download Prefilled XML/JSON" button. The system will generate your prefilled data file. Save it to a known location on your computer.

Step 7: Use the JSON File

If filing offline, open the ITR utility software, click "Prefill" or "Import", and select the downloaded JSON file. Your details will be populated automatically.

What Data is Included in Prefill JSON?

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Prefill JSON not generating: This usually happens early in the filing season when the portal is under heavy load. Try during off-peak hours (early morning or late night).

Data mismatch with Form 16: Some employers file TDS returns late. If your Form 16 shows different amounts than the prefill JSON, wait for the data to be updated or manually correct the amounts.

Missing income details: Not all income sources appear in prefill data. Interest from certain banks, rental income, and some capital gains may need to be entered manually.

Portal error or timeout: Clear browser cache, use Chrome or Edge, and disable browser extensions that might interfere with the portal.

Important Tips

• Always cross-check prefilled data with your actual documents before filing
• Download the latest version of the JSON – data is updated periodically as more entities file their TDS returns
• Keep a copy of the JSON file for your records
• If you find discrepancies in AIS data, file a correction request on the portal

Skip the Hassle with FileWithUs.ai

Instead of manually downloading and importing JSON files, FileWithUs.ai handles data import automatically. Our platform fetches your prefilled data, reconciles it with your documents, and presents a clean interface for you to verify and file your return. No JSON downloads, no utility software – just simple, accurate filing.