Taxpayers can log into the official e-filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in/) to file income-tax returns for assessment year 2026-27 (AY27) or financial year 2025-26 (FY26). The I-T return (ITR) forms have been notified and Excel Utility for the ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam) forms online have also been enabled by the tax department.
Notably, all first-time taxpayers have to register using Aadhaar, PAN and other details, then use Excel utility to prepare your returns offline before digitally uploading the same.
The I-T department has issued clarifications for taxpayers. So, here are the precautions you should take while filing returns:
- After e-Filing the return, e-Verify it. If you want to manually verify your return, send the signed physical copy of ITR-V Acknowledgement (by speed post) within appropriate timelines of filing the return to Centralized Processing Center, Income Tax Department, Bengaluru 560500 (Karnataka).
Filing ITR? Top FAQs answered by tax department
I made a calculation mistake in my filed ITR. Can I correct it and re-submit my return? You can re-submit your return in case you have already filed your ITR, but you later discover that you have made a mistake. This is called a Revised Return. Your return has to be revised three months before the end of the relevant AY. For AY 2025-26, the due date for filing revised return is 31st December 2025.
Can I file ITR for last 4 assessment years now? Yes, you can file ITR-U, if you have missed to file your previous four years ITRs. For current year you can file your regular ITR.
What happens if I file Income Tax Return after the due date u/s 139(1)? In case you miss filing the ITR within the due date u/s 139(1), you can still file your Income Tax Return, but you may be required to pay a late filing fee / penalty of up to ₹5,000. Additionally, you will also be required to pay interest on the tax liability (if any).
Do I need to file returns if tax has been deducted by my employer / bank? Yes, employers and banks deduct tax at source on salary and interest income respectively. You still need to disclose the income on which tax has been deducted and claim credit for TDS in the Income Tax Return.
Will I get a refund if I have paid excess tax? Any excess tax paid by you can be claimed as refund by filing your Income Tax Return. After your return is processed, ITD checks and accordingly accepts your refund claim, and then the amount is credited to your bank account. You will also get a message on your email ID registered on the e-Filing portal.
What is the deadline for filing I-T returns?
For the current tax year, i.e. financial year 2025-2026 or assessment year 2026-2027, the deadline for individual taxpayers filing ITR is 31 July 2026; while for those using ITR forms 3 and 4, is 31 August 2026.
Notably, taxpayers who miss the July deadline can still file a delayed return by 31 December, for FY25-26 / AY26-27.
- ITR-1 form: Salaried individual with one house property, and other sources.
- ITR-2 form: Individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) without business income.
- ITR-3 form: Individual or HUF with income from business or profession.
- ITR-4 form: Taxpayers with presumptive income from business or profession.
- ITR-5 form: For use by a firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Association of Persons (AOP), Body of Individuals (BOI), or Artificial Juridical Person (AJP).
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