ITR Filing Guide: Which Form to Use and How to File Your Return for FY 2025-26
Step-by-step ITR filing guide: choose between ITR-1 to ITR-4, gather Form 16, AIS and 26AS, e-verify, and what to do if you miss the deadline.
This guide covers filing the income-tax return for FY 2025-26 (income earned from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026). That return is filed under the Income-tax Act, 1961, in the portal's "AY 2026-27" section; the Income-tax Act, 2025 applies to income from 1 April 2026 onwards. The usual due date for individuals not requiring an audit is 31 July; if you have missed it, you can still file a belated return, as explained below.
Step 1: Gather your documents
- Form 16 from your employer (salary and TDS).
- Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) from the e-filing portal: they list your interest, dividends, securities transactions and TDS as reported to the department.
- Form 26AS for TDS and tax deposited.
- Bank interest certificates, capital-gains statements from your broker or fund, rent receipts, home-loan certificate and proofs for deductions.
Compare AIS with your own records. If a figure in AIS is wrong, you can submit feedback on the portal.
Step 2: Choose the right ITR form
| Form | Who can use it |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh from salary or pension, one house property, other sources (interest) and up to ₹1.25 lakh of equity LTCG under 112A with no carried-forward losses |
| ITR-2 | Individuals/HUFs with capital gains beyond the ITR-1 limit, more than one house, foreign assets or income, or income above ₹50 lakh, but no business income |
| ITR-3 | Individuals/HUFs with business or professional income not under presumptive taxation |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Residents with presumptive income (44AD, 44ADA, 44AE) up to ₹50 lakh, with limited capital gains as allowed |
Using the wrong form leads to a defective-return notice, so check before you start. Freelancers on presumptive taxation usually file ITR-4; traders and anyone with significant capital gains usually file ITR-2 or ITR-3.
Step 3: File on the e-filing portal
- Log in at the Income Tax e-filing portal with your PAN as user ID.
- Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return and select the assessment year and mode (online).
- Pick the status (individual) and the form. Pre-filled data from the department (salary, interest, TDS) appears automatically; verify each figure.
- Choose the tax regime. Compare both with the income tax calculator first.
- Enter deductions (old regime), exempt income and any capital gains.
- Check the tax computation. Pay any balance tax online (challan 280) before you submit.
- Submit and e-verify.
Step 4: E-verify within 30 days
A return isn't valid until verified. Fastest ways: Aadhaar OTP, net-banking, or a pre-validated bank account / demat account. You must e-verify within 30 days of filing, or the return is treated as not filed.
Refunds
After e-verification, the department processes the return (often within a few weeks) and credits the refund to your pre-validated bank account. Make sure your bank account is validated and linked to PAN. Check status on the portal under "Refund status".
If you missed the deadline
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Belated return | File by 31 December of the assessment year with a late fee under section 234F: ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh |
| Interest | 1% per month on unpaid tax under 234A, 234B and 234C |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | Can be filed within 48 months of the end of the assessment year, with additional tax of 25% to 70% of tax and interest depending on timing |
| Loss carry-forward | Most losses cannot be carried forward if the original return was late |
Common reasons for notices
- Income in AIS that you didn't report (bank interest, dividends, sale of shares).
- Wrong deduction claims, especially HRA and 80C without proof.
- Mismatch between TDS in Form 26AS and your return.
- Using the wrong ITR form.
Quick checklist before you submit
- All bank interest included, including savings accounts and FDs.
- Capital gains from shares and mutual funds, with correct dates and cost.
- Foreign assets disclosed if applicable (Schedule FA).
- Bank account pre-validated for refund.
- Return e-verified and acknowledgment saved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the due date for filing ITR?
For individuals without audit it is normally 31 July after the financial year ends; check the portal for any extension.
Which ITR form should a salaried person use?
ITR-1 if income is up to ₹50 lakh with simple sources; ITR-2 if you have capital gains beyond the limit, multiple houses or foreign assets.
How long do I have to e-verify?
30 days from filing.
What is the penalty for late filing?
A fee of ₹5,000 under 234F (₹1,000 if income is up to ₹5 lakh) plus interest on unpaid tax.
Can I file a return after the deadline?
Yes. A belated return can be filed until 31 December of the assessment year, and an updated return within 48 months with extra tax.
Why is my refund delayed?
Common causes are unverified returns, bank account not validated or a mismatch with Form 26AS.
Last reviewed 8 November 2026. Rates, limits and rules change, so confirm figures with the official source before you act.
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