ITR filing for FY 2025–26 kicks off: Here's what you need to know

Ready to file your ITR for FY 2025–26? The Income Tax Department has officially started this year's filing process by enabling ITR-1 and ITR-4 utilities. But what does this mean for taxpayers, and should you file early?

In Short

• Income tax filing for AY 2026-27 has started
• ITR-1 and ITR-4 filing now open online and via Excel utility
• Deadline to file ITR is July 31, 2026, to avoid penalties

The income tax filing season has officially begun. Taxpayers can now start filing their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27 after the Income Tax Department enabled the Excel utilities and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on its e-filing portal.

For millions of salaried individuals and small business owners, this marks the start of the annual tax filing process. Those eligible can now prepare and submit their returns for income earned during Financial Year (FY) 2025–26.

ITR-1 AND ITR-4 FILING NOW OPEN

The Income Tax Department announced the update through its official X account, informing taxpayers that both the Excel utility and online filing options for ITR-1 and ITR-4 are now active.

This means eligible taxpayers can either file their returns directly online or prepare them offline using the Excel-based utility before uploading them to the portal.

The department said, “Attention taxpayers! The Excel utility and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2026-27 has been enabled and is now available for taxpayers on the e-Filing portal.”

The move gives taxpayers an early start, allowing them to organise documents and complete filing well before the deadline.

WHAT DOES THE EXCEL UTILITY MEAN?

The Excel utility is an offline tool provided by the Income Tax Department that helps taxpayers prepare their return without staying connected to the internet.

Once the form is filled, taxpayers can generate a file and upload it to the e-filing portal. This option is often preferred by those who want to carefully review calculations before final submission.

Tax experts generally advise filing returns early to avoid last-minute technical issues and delays.

INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT ISSUES FORM 16 CAUTION

The department has also reminded taxpayers to be careful while checking Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) details.

It said only Form 16 and Form 16A downloaded through the TRACES portal should be treated as valid and authentic TDS certificates.

In its message, the department advised taxpayers to ensure that the TDS documents being used while filing returns have been downloaded from TRACES to avoid mismatches or filing errors.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO FILE ITR?

An Income Tax Return (ITR) is a document through which taxpayers report their income, deductions and tax liability to the Income Tax Department.

For most taxpayers, the last date to file income tax returns is July 31 of the assessment year unless the government extends the deadline.

Missing the due date may lead to penalties and could also delay tax refunds.

WHY FILING EARLY MAY HELP

Experts often suggest filing ITRs early instead of waiting until the last moment. Early filing gives taxpayers enough time to correct errors, respond to notices if needed and receive refunds sooner.

With ITR-1 and ITR-4 now available, the tax filing process for AY 2026–27 has effectively kicked off, and eligible taxpayers can begin preparing their returns right away.

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