💼 Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing for AY 2025-26: A Complete Guide for Every Taxpayer
As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 begins, it’s essential for every taxpayer—whether salaried, self-employed, or retired—to understand the rules, required documents, and filing procedures. Filing your ITR isn’t just about compliance—it unlocks refunds, supports visa and loan applications, and helps you maintain a clean financial record.
Here’s everything you need to know to file your return correctly and on time.
📅 What is the Due Date to File ITR for AY 2025-26?
The due date for most individual taxpayers is July 31, 2025.
Late filing may attract interest and penalties, so don’t wait until the last moment.
✅ Documents You Need Before Filing ITR
Before logging into the Income Tax portal, make sure you’ve gathered the following:
- PAN Card & Aadhaar Card
- Form 16 (from employer, for salaried individuals)
- Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS (available on income tax portal)
- Interest certificates from banks/Post Office
- Capital gains statements (for stocks, mutual funds, or property sales)
- Investment proofs (if opting for old tax regime):
- LIC premium receipts
- PPF/NSC/ELSS documents
- Tuition fees
- Health insurance (Section 80D)
👥 Who Must File an ITR?
You must file an ITR if:
- Your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit
- You want to claim a tax refund
- You have foreign income or assets
- You are applying for a visa, loan, or passport
- You are a company or firm, regardless of income
Mandatory Filing (Even If Income is Below Limit)
You also need to file if any of the following apply:
- Deposited ₹1 crore+ in a current account
- Deposited ₹50 lakh+ in a savings account
- Spent ₹2 lakh+ on foreign travel
- Paid ₹1 lakh+ in electricity bills
- TDS/TCS is ₹25,000+ (₹50,000 for senior citizens)
- Business turnover exceeds ₹60 lakh or professional receipts exceed ₹10 lakh
🧾 Which ITR Form Should You Use?
| ITR Form | Suitable For |
|---|---|
| ITR-1 (Sahaj) | Income up to ₹50 lakh from salary/pension, one house property, and other sources |
| ITR-2 | Individuals with capital gains, foreign income/assets, or income above ₹50 lakh |
| ITR-3 | Business or professional income (non-presumptive) |
| ITR-4 (Sugam) | Presumptive income under Section 44AD/44ADA/44AE (small businesses, freelancers) |
Senior Citizens (75+) may be exempt from filing under Section 194P if income is only from pension and bank interest (from specified banks).
📊 Special Considerations for Capital Gains & Investments
If you sold property, shares, or mutual funds, keep these ready:
- Broker statements or capital gains reports
- Sale and purchase deeds (for property)
- TDS certificates (Form 16A/16B/16C)
- Rent receipts (if claiming HRA)
- Bank account statements (for investment proofs)
🔁 Made a Mistake? Here’s How to Fix It
If you made an error while filing:
- Revised Return (Section 139(5)): Can be filed anytime before March 31, 2026, if the original was filed on time.
- Updated Return (Section 139(8A)): Can be filed within 48 months from the end of the assessment year, with applicable tax and penalty.
- Rectification Request (Section 154): To fix processing errors (e.g., mismatch in TDS or incorrect income data).
👴 ITR Filing for Senior Citizens (60+)
- Age 60 to 74: Choose ITR form based on income type (ITR-1 to ITR-4).
- Age 75+: If income is only from pension and interest (from notified banks), filing may not be needed if bank deducts tax.
💡 Pro Tips for Easy Filing
- Choose the right tax regime: Old (with deductions) vs New (lower rates, no deductions)
- Pre-fill details on the Income Tax Portal
- Use tools like ClearTax, Quicko, or government portal for guided filing
- File early to avoid system load, delays, and penalties
📝 Final Thoughts
Filing your ITR on time ensures peace of mind, protects your financial credibility, and helps you access refunds, loans, or international travel permissions without hurdles.
Start early, stay compliant, and file confidently!
Need Help Choosing the Right ITR Form or Regime?
Leave a comment or message with your income sources, and we’ll guide you personally.
👉 Don’t take chances—reach out to experts like KVSTAX Consultancy to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.
📌 Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional tax advice or legal opinion. For personalized assistance based on your individual or business tax situation, please consult with a qualified tax consultant or reach out to KVSTAX CONSULTANCY directly.