ITR Filing for AY 2026-27 Begins: What Salaried Employees Need to Know

The process to file for income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year (AY) 2026-27 has officially started. This gives salaried employees an opportunity to begin their process of filing returns for income earned during the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. The Income Tax Department has now enabled online filing and Excel utility support for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on the official e-filing portal.

ITR-1 Filing Now Active

For the salaried taxpayers, the ITR-1 returns can now be filed. This is also called Sahaj. This form is apt for those whose income does not exceed Rs 50 lakh. It applies to people earning through salary or pension, one house property and income from other sources like bank interest or fixed deposits. The clause remains of the earning threshold.

The activation of filing the utilities means that taxpayers no longer have to wait for the portal to open. Eligible users can either file directly online or download the Excel utility for offline preparation before going through the completed form.

Who Should Use ITR-1?

ITR-1 is most apt for salaried employees with simple income structures. A taxpayer can use this form if their annual income is under Rs 50 lakhs. The following clauses are applicable,

• Income is from salary or pension.

• There is income from one house property.

• Additional earnings are from sources like a savings account or an FD Interest.

• Agricultural income of up to Rs 5000, on an annual basis.

The recent updates also make this apt for small investors. Some taxpayers with limited long-term capital gains from listed equity investments may continue with their filing of ITR-1. This simplifies the process for salaried mutual fund investors.

What About ITR-2?

Taxpayers with a complex income structure may have to wait a little longer. The Income Tax Department has not yet enabled an online filing of Excel utilities for TRR-2.

ITR-2 is mostly used by individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who are not eligible for ITR-1. This includes,

• Income from capital gains

• multiple housing properties

• foreign assets

• foreign income

• clubbed income from spouse

• income sources aside from salary

For individuals filing for either ITR-1 or ITR-2, the due date for filing returns is July 31, 2026.

Other important dates are

• August 31, 2026: ITR-3 and ITR-4 for non-audit business taxpayers

• October 31, 2026: Audit cases

• December 31, 2026: Belated return filing deadline

It is advised that individuals keep the following documents handy,

• Form 16

• Form 26AS

• Bank interest certificates

• Investments and deduction proofs

Keeping these documents handy can help in avoiding delays and mistakes. Even though the last date is months away, early filing can offer advantages such as faster refund processing. This also reduces the last-minute stress and mistakes.