As the ITR filing deadline nears, several apps are simplifying the process with guided steps and auto-filled data. Platforms like Black by ClearTax, Quicko and TaxBuddy offer DIY and expert-assisted filing, helping salaried individuals, traders and business owners file returns quickly without visiting a CA.

It's that time of year again. The Income Tax Department's deadline is looming, your Form 16 is sitting in your inbox, and you have no idea where to begin. The good news? Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) no longer requires a trip to a CA's office or wrestling with the government portal alone. A clutch of well-designed apps now make the process fast, guided, and surprisingly painless. Here's a breakdown of the best ones to know.

Before you begin: Documents to keep handy

Before you open any app, have these ready:

- your PAN card,