ITR filing: Income tax return filing for AY 2025-26 starts from April 1, 2025, July 31 deadline for salaried taxpayers

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 will begin on April 1, 2025. This annual process is a crucial responsibility for taxpayers, ensuring compliance with tax laws and avoiding penalties for late submission. Salaried individuals, business owners, and professionals must file their returns within the prescribed deadline to avoid unnecessary fines and legal issues. The due date for salaried taxpayers and non-audit cases is July 31, 2025.

In this article, we will explore the ITR filing process, deadlines, changes in tax laws, available deductions, and how expert guidance from an Income Tax Consultant in Delhi can make tax filing hassle-free.

Who Needs to File an Income Tax Return?

Filing an Income Tax Return is mandatory for individuals and entities whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit set by the government. The following categories of taxpayers must file their ITR:

• Salaried Employees – Individuals earning above the tax-free threshold.
• Business Owners and Professionals – Including freelancers and self-employed individuals.
• Companies and Firms – Regardless of profit or loss.
• Individuals with Foreign Income – Those earning abroad or receiving foreign remittances.
• Investors – If they earn from stocks, mutual funds, or cryptocurrencies.
• Property Owners – Individuals earning rental income above exemption limits.

Key Dates for ITR Filing for AY 2025-26

To stay compliant and avoid penalties, taxpayers should be aware of the Income Tax Calendar 2025:

• April 1, 2025 – Start date for filing ITR for AY 2025-26.
• July 31, 2025 – Deadline for salaried taxpayers and non-audit cases.
• October 31, 2025 – Due date for taxpayers requiring audits.
• November 30, 2025 – Final date for transfer pricing reports.
• December 31, 2025 – Last date to file a belated return.
• March 31, 2026 – Deadline for revised returns.

Different ITR Forms for AY 2025-26

The Income Tax Return Service in Delhi helps taxpayers determine the appropriate ITR form based on income sources:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh, including salary, pension, and one house property.
• ITR-2: For individuals and HUFs with income exceeding ₹50 lakh, capital gains, or foreign income.
• ITR-3: For professionals and business owners.
• ITR-4 (Sugam): For small businesses and presumptive income schemes.
• ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7: For firms, LLPs, and charitable trusts.

Consulting an Income Tax Consultant in Delhi ensures you file the correct form and maximize tax benefits.

Steps to File ITR Online

Prepare Documents in Hand – Have documents such as Form 16, salary vouchers, bank statements, TDS certificates, investment proofs, and other documents related to income handy.

Select the Right ITR Form – Choose the relevant ITR form according to your income source and category.

Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal – Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with your credentials.

Fill in the Details – Fill income, deductions, and tax details correctly.

Verify Tax Liability – Ensure if further tax is payable or you can claim a refund.

Submit and E-Verify – Post-filing, authenticate your return through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or an electronic verification code (EVC) to finish the process.

Changes and Updates in ITR Filing for AY 2025-26

For AY 2025-26, several tax changes impact salaried individuals:

Standard Deduction: Under the New Tax Regime, the standard deduction has increased to ₹75,000 for salaried taxpayers and pensioners.

Tax Slab Revisions: The income tax slabs remain unchanged, but the rebate under Section 87A allows individuals earning up to ₹7,00,000 to pay zero tax under the New Regime.

Higher TCS on Foreign Remittances: Higher Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on international remittances under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) will impact taxpayers sending money abroad.

Updated Tax Utility: The ITR filing utility has been revised to streamline processing and minimize errors.

Benefits of Timely ITR Filing

Filing ITR on time offers numerous advantages, including:

• Avoiding Late Fees: Delay in filing leads to penalties up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
• Smooth Loan Approvals: Banks require ITR receipts for loan applications.
• Claiming Refunds: If excess TDS was deducted, timely filing ensures faster refunds.
• Legal Compliance: Ensures peace of mind and avoids scrutiny from tax authorities.
• Visa Processing: Many foreign embassies require ITR records for visa approvals.

How to File ITR for AY 2025-26 ?

Filing ITR is a straightforward process with Online Income Tax Filing in Delhi. Follow these steps:

• Gather Documents: Collect essential documents such as Form 16, salary slips, interest certificates, and investment proofs.
• Login to e-Filing Portal: Visit the Income Tax Department's website and log in using PAN details.
• Select the Correct ITR Form: Choose the appropriate form based on your income type.
• Fill in Income Details: Enter salary, business income, capital gains, or rental income.
• Claim Deductions: Apply deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, 80E, and HRA exemptions.
• Verify Tax Liability: Calculate final tax payable after deductions.
• Submit and E-Verify: Once submitted, verify using OTP, Aadhaar, or net banking.

Why Choose Expert Tax Consultants in Delhi?

Navigating tax laws can be challenging. Hiring an Income Tax Consultant Delhi can simplify the process. Our experts provide:

• Personalized Tax Planning – Tailored tax-saving strategies.
• ITR Filing Assistance – Hassle-free online and offline filing.
• Handling Tax Notices – Responding to scrutiny and rectification orders.
• Appeal Filing Support – Assistance in disputes with the Income Tax Department.
• Compliance with Income Tax Calendar 2025 – Ensuring timely tax payments and filings.

Conclusion

The Income Tax Return filing for AY 2025-26 starts on April 1, 2025, and salaried taxpayers must file before July 31, 2025. Timely filing ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and provides financial benefits. Consulting the Best Tax Consultants for Income Tax Filing in Delhi can make tax filing easier and stress-free. Our experts at Taxcrafted Solutions provide end-to-end Income Tax Filing Assistance in Delhi, ensuring accuracy and maximizing tax benefits.

Need help with your ITR? Contact our Delhi Income Tax Experts today for expert guidance!