The Income Tax Department has activated online filing and Excel utilities for ITR-1 (Sahaj), ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4 (Sugam), ITR-5 and ITR-7 for the financial year 2025-26 (Assessment Year 2026-27). Taxpayers can prepare their returns offline using the Excel utility before uploading them through the Income Tax e-filing portal.
According to the Income Tax Department’s tax calendar, the due date for filing most income tax returns is July 31, 2026, while self-assessment tax payments must also be completed by the same date. Although belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2026, taxpayers may have to pay late filing fees and interest on any outstanding tax liability.
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Before filing returns, taxpayers should ensure they select the correct ITR form based on their source of income. ITR-1 is meant for salaried individuals with income from salary, one house property and other sources. ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) without business income, while ITR-3 is for those with business or professional income. ITR-4 is applicable to taxpayers opting for the presumptive taxation scheme.
The department has also advised taxpayers to keep essential documents ready, including PAN, Aadhaar, Form 16, investment proofs, home loan interest certificates and insurance premium receipts. Those who missed filing returns for the previous four assessment years may file an updated return using the ITR-U facility.
After submitting the return, taxpayers must complete e-verification within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, net banking or an Electronic Verification Code (EVC). Failure to verify the return may delay refunds and render the filing incomplete.
Taxpayers filing returns after the deadline may face penalties of up to ₹5,000, while under-reporting income, failing to pay self-assessment tax or violating cash transaction rules could attract additional penalties under the Income Tax Act. Experts advise filing returns well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues and unnecessary penalties.
