To prepare and file an ITR-1, follow the steps below:

1. Gather Required Documents: Collect all your financial documents such as Form 16, salary slips, interest certificates, bank statements, and any other relevant documents that show your income and deductions.

2. Log In to the E-Filing Portal: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal at https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/. Log in using your PAN as the user ID and your password.

3. Select ITR-1 Form: Once logged in, under the "e-File" tab, select "Income Tax Return" and then choose "Assessment Year 2020-21" and "ITR-1" as the form.

4. Pre-fill Your Personal Information: Your personal details such as your name, PAN, and address will be pre-filled. Check this information for accuracy.

5. Enter Income Details: Enter details of your income sources such as salary, house property, and interest income. The portal may prompt you to enter information in a step-by-step manner.

6. Claim Deductions and Exemptions: Enter details of deductions you're eligible for under various sections such as 80C, 80D, and more. The portal may ask you to provide information about each deduction.

7. Calculate Tax and Pay Tax (if applicable): The portal will calculate your tax liability based on the data provided. If you have tax payable, you can pay it online through the portal.

8. Provide Bank Account Details: Enter your bank account details for receiving any refund due.

9. Validate and Preview: Validate the data you've entered to ensure accuracy and completeness. The portal may highlight any errors or missing information.

10. Generate XML File: After validation, generate the XML file of your return. This file contains all your return information.

11. Upload XML File: Return to the e-filing portal, go to the "e-File" section, select "Upload Return," and upload the generated XML file.

12. E-Verify Return: After uploading the XML file, you can e-verify your return using methods such as Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, Electronic Verification Code (EVC), or by sending a signed physical ITR-V to the CPC within 120 days of e-filing.

13. Confirmation: Once your return is successfully e-verified, you'll receive a confirmation that your ITR has been filed.

How to Use Excel to File ITR 1 Forms for AY 2020-21?

1. Download the ITR-1 Excel Utility: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal (https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/) and download the ITR-1 Excel utility for AY 2020-21.

2. Gather Your Financial Information: Collect all necessary financial documents such as Form 16, salary certificates, bank statements, interest certificates, and details of deductions/exemptions.

3. Open the Excel Utility: Open the downloaded Excel utility and ensure that macros are enabled in your Excel settings.

4. Fill in Personal Details: Start by entering your personal details such as name, PAN, address, and other relevant information in the appropriate sections.

5. Enter Income Details: Fill in your income details, which typically include salary income, income from one house property, and income from other sources.

6. Claim Deductions and Exemptions: Provide details of deductions you are eligible for, such as under Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc. Attach relevant documents as required.

7. Calculate Tax Liability: The Excel utility should automatically calculate your tax liability based on the information you've entered, considering applicable tax rates.

8. Enter Tax Payments Details: If you've made any tax payments, enter the details of advance tax, self-assessment tax, or TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) in the appropriate sections.

9. Validate and Generate XML File: After entering all necessary information, validate the Excel utility to check for any errors or missing details. Once validation is successful, generate the XML file.

10. Upload XML on the Income Tax Portal: Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal using your credentials. Navigate to the 'e-File' section, select 'Income Tax Return,' choose the assessment year (2020-21), select form ITR-1, and upload the generated XML file.

11. Verify ITR-V (if required): After successful uploading, if your return requires verification, download the ITR-V form. Print, sign it, and send it to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) within 120 days of e-filing.

Keep in mind that tax laws and procedures can change, so always consult official guidelines or professionals before filing your ITR. Additionally, the above steps are a general overview and may not cover all specific details of your financial situation.

Filing Mode

1. Online Filing (e-Filing): This is the most common and convenient method. You can file your ITR-1 online through the official Income Tax e-filing portal (https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/). After filling in the necessary details, you can submit the return online and receive an acknowledgement (ITR-V) which needs to be verified.

2. Offline Filing (Physical Form Submission): You can download the pre-filled XML file from the e-filing portal after entering the details online. This XML file can be imported into the Excel utility provided by the Income Tax Department to fill out the ITR-1 offline. After filling out the offline utility, generate an XML file and upload it on the e-filing portal. However, even if you file offline, the submission of the return is done online.

3. Using Authorized Service Providers: Some authorized service providers, often known as e-return intermediaries, can help you file your ITR-1. They can assist in preparing and filing your return online.

4. EVC (Electronic Verification Code): Once you've filed your ITR online, you can also use the Electronic Verification Code (EVC) method to verify your return. This eliminates the need to send a physical copy of ITR-V to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC).