ITR Filing Season Begins: New Income Tax Return Forms for AY 2026–27 Explained

The Income Tax Department has officially notified Income Tax Return (ITR) forms ITR-1 to ITR-7 for the Assessment Year 2026–27, marking the commencement of the tax filing season in India. Taxpayers, including salaried individuals, pensioners, professionals, and businesses, can now file their returns using the applicable forms within the prescribed deadlines. ITR-1 (Sahaj) continues to apply to resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources, while ITR-2 is meant for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families without business income, including those earning capital gains or foreign income. Taxpayers with business or professional income are required to use ITR-3 or other relevant forms. The due date for filing returns for most individual taxpayers remains July 31, 2026, with extended timelines for certain categories. The notification aims to streamline compliance, clarify eligibility, and ensure smoother filing processes, reinforcing the government’s continued push toward a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.