Guidelines for Income Tax Return Filing for Financial Year 2025-26

Taxpayers Must File ITR for FY 2025-26 by July 31, 2026

Filing income tax returns (ITR) for the financial year 2025-26 is a critical responsibility for taxpayers, particularly salaried individuals seeking to remain compliant and claim eligible refunds. As the Income Tax Department continues to enhance digital filing and data reconciliation through the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS, taxpayers are advised to carefully select the correct ITR form, verify pre-filled information, and report all sources of income accurately.

For most salaried individuals without business or professional income, the due date to file the return is July 31, 2026. Taxpayers may choose to file ITR online or prefill the ITR in an offline utility and subsequently file it online. A key aspect is to ensure the correct selection of the ITR form based on tax residency, nature of income, and reporting requirements.

Preparation is Key

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To ensure a smooth filing process, taxpayers should keep the following documents ready:

Taxpayers should also have the following essential documents:

• PAN (linked with Aadhaar)
• Aadhaar number
• Pre-validated bank account for refunds

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Steps for Filing ITR

1. Log in to the e-Filing Portal at https://www.incometax.gov.in using PAN and password.
2. Verify personal details, checking pre-filled data (name, PAN, address, bank details) and updating or correcting details if required.
3. Report income details, claiming exemptions as applicable and depending on the tax regime opted for.
4. Claim deductions under Chapter VI-A (80C to 80U) if opting for the old regime, ensuring consistency with proofs submitted to employer.
5. Reconcile TDS & Taxes Paid, matching taxes paid shown in Form 16 / 16A, AIS / Form 26AS, and resolving mismatches before submission to avoid notices.
6. Review Tax Computation, checking whether refund or tax payable arises.
7. Pay Tax (if applicable) using Net banking / UPI / debit card, entering challan details (CIN) after payment.
8. Submit and Verify Return, reviewing details carefully and submitting, and completing e-verification within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP (recommended), Net banking, EVC / DigiLocker, or sending signed ITR-V to CPC (physical verification).
9. Save Acknowledgement, downloading and retaining ITR-V (acknowledgement) for records.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that PAN must be linked with Aadhaar to ensure successful filing and processing of returns. It is also essential to reconcile income details with the AIS and Form 26AS to avoid mismatches or tax notices later. Before submitting the return, taxpayers should carefully choose the appropriate tax regime, old or new, based on their eligibility for deductions and exemptions. Additionally, all supporting documents, investment proofs, salary records, and tax-related papers should be preserved for at least six years, as they may be required during future scrutiny or assessment proceedings.