How to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR) for AY 2026-27: Step-by-Step Guide
Filing your income tax return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2026-27 (Financial Year 2025-26) is easier than ever, but a few decisions — your tax regime, the right form, and timely e-verification — make all the difference between a smooth refund and a defective return. This step-by-step guide walks you through the whole process.
Step 1 — Know your due date
- 31 July 2026 — individuals and taxpayers whose accounts do not require audit (most salaried filers).
- 31 October 2026 — taxpayers who require a tax audit.
- 30 November 2026 — cases with transfer pricing reports.
- 31 December 2026 — belated or revised returns (with a late fee).
The CBDT can extend these dates, so always confirm the current deadline on incometax.gov.in before filing.
Step 2 — Choose your tax regime
For FY 2025-26 the new tax regime is the default. Thanks to the enhanced Section 87A rebate, a resident individual with taxable income up to ₹12 lakh pays no tax (about ₹12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers after the ₹75,000 standard deduction). The new-regime slabs are:
| Income slab | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹4,00,000 | Nil |
| ₹4,00,001 – ₹8,00,000 | 5% |
| ₹8,00,001 – ₹12,00,000 | 10% |
| ₹12,00,001 – ₹16,00,000 | 15% |
| ₹16,00,001 – ₹20,00,000 | 20% |
| ₹20,00,001 – ₹24,00,000 | 25% |
| Above ₹24,00,000 | 30% |
The old regime can still win if you have large deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, home-loan interest). As a rough rule, if your deductions exceed roughly ₹3.5–4 lakh, compare both before filing.
Step 3 — Pick the correct ITR form
Salaried individuals under ₹50 lakh usually file ITR-1; those with capital gains or more than one house property use ITR-2; business/professional income uses ITR-3 or ITR-4 (presumptive). Filing the wrong form can make your return defective — see our detailed guide, Which ITR Form Should You File for AY 2026-27?
Step 4 — Gather your documents
- PAN and Aadhaar (must be linked)
- Form 16 from your employer
- AIS and TIS (Annual Information Statement) from the portal
- Form 26AS for TDS credit
- Bank interest and capital gains statements
- Proofs for deductions if you use the old regime (80C, 80D, home-loan interest, etc.)
Reconcile your income and TDS against the AIS before you file to avoid mismatch notices.
Step 5 — File on the income tax portal
- Log in at incometax.gov.in with your PAN and password.
- Go to e-File → Income Tax Returns → File Income Tax Return and select AY 2026-27.
- Choose the filing status (individual/HUF) and the correct ITR form.
- Review the pre-filled data (salary, interest, TDS) and correct anything that doesn’t match your records.
- Select your tax regime, claim eligible deductions, and let the portal compute the tax.
- Pay any balance tax, then preview and submit the return.
Step 6 — E-verify within 30 days
Your return is not complete until it is verified. E-verify within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or a bank-account EVC. If you don’t verify in time, the return is treated as not filed.
What if you miss the deadline?
You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026, but with a late fee under Section 234F of up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if total income is below ₹5 lakh), plus interest on any unpaid tax. You also lose the ability to carry forward certain losses.
Frequently asked questions
Is it mandatory to file if my income is below the exemption limit?
Filing is generally required if your income exceeds the basic exemption, but it’s also advisable to file for refunds, loan/visa proof, and to carry forward losses even when not strictly mandatory.
Can I switch between the old and new regime every year?
Salaried individuals without business income can choose the regime afresh each year while filing. Those with business income face restrictions on switching back.
How long does a refund take?
Refunds are usually credited within a few weeks of e-verification, provided your bank account is pre-validated on the portal.
Want your return filed accurately?
Regime selection, correct disclosures and AIS reconciliation decide how much tax you actually pay and how fast your refund arrives. TAXAJ‘s Chartered Accountants file returns for salaried individuals, businesses and NRIs across India. Ask a question in our Community or get in touch with TAXAJ to file on time and stress-free.
This guide is general information for AY 2026-27 and is not a substitute for professional advice. Tax rules and deadlines can change — verify the latest position on incometax.gov.in or consult a professional before filing.
