Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing for AY 2025–26: What Taxpayers Need to Know

As the financial year 2024–25 comes to a close, taxpayers are gearing up to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26. However, one important update to note is that although the Income Tax Department has notified the applicable ITR forms, the official e-filing utilities for online submission are not yet available on the Income Tax e-filing portal.

This article provides an overview of the current status, expected timelines, and key changes in the ITR filing process for AY 2025–26.

Availability of ITR Forms

The Income Tax Department has notified the following ITR forms for AY 2025–26:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For resident individuals earning up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, other sources such as interest, and agricultural income up to ₹5,000.

• ITR-2: For individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) without business or professional income.

• ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession.

• ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLPs) opting for presumptive taxation schemes.

• ITR-5: For firms, LLPs, and other entities.

• ITR-6: For companies except those exempt under section 11.

• ITR-7: For persons required to file returns under specified sections, including trusts and political parties.

While these forms can be downloaded in PDF format, the Income Tax Department has not yet released the e-filing utilities necessary to file returns online for AY 2025–26.

When Will the E-Filing Utilities Be Available?

Typically, the Income Tax Department releases the e-filing utilities before the filing deadline to give taxpayers adequate time to submit their returns. As of now, there is no official announcement on the exact date for AY 2025–26 utilities release.

Taxpayers are advised to regularly check the Income Tax e-filing portal for updates and announcements regarding the availability of these utilities.

Key Changes in ITR Forms for AY 2025–26

Several important updates have been made to the ITR forms for AY 2025–26:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): Now allows reporting of long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh from listed equity shares and mutual funds under section 112A. This change lets more taxpayers file ITR-1 instead of ITR-2 for such income.

• ITR-2: Includes a dedicated section for reporting capital gains for better clarity.

• ITR-3: Introduces the option for taxpayers to opt out of the new tax regime under section 115BAC(6) by submitting Form 10-IEA on or before the due date.

• ITR-4 (Sugam): Allows reporting of LTCG up to ₹1.25 lakh under section 112A if there are no carry-forward losses.

Important Dates to Remember

For individuals and HUFs not requiring audit, the due date for filing ITR is generally July 31, 2025. Filing on time helps avoid penalties and interest on dues.

Recommendations for Taxpayers

• Stay Informed: Keep visiting the official Income Tax e-filing portal for announcements about utility releases.

• Prepare Documents: Collect Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, and other income details in advance.

• Seek Professional Help: If unsure about which ITR form to use or the filing process, consult a tax professional to avoid errors.

Conclusion

Although the ITR forms for AY 2025–26 have been notified, the e-filing utilities are yet to be released. Taxpayers should remain patient and prepare their documents in the meantime. Staying updated through official channels will ensure a smooth and hassle-free filing process when the utilities go live.