For A.Y. 2007-08 bar coded return may also be furnished at the option of the assessee. What is a bar - coded return and how to file it?

This is a new initiative of the income tax department. ITR-1 & ITR-2 forms could be submitted containing bar codes. Such returns could be read with the help of a scanner obviating the necessity of data entry work. This would expedite the processing of the return and thus better taxpayer service. One has to use the return preparation software provided on the web site to generate bar coded returns. The filing process is similar to that of a paper return.