ITR filing date 2026: When can salaried employees file income tax return for AY 2026-27?

Knowing the ITR filing dates for AY 2026–27 is essential for salaried employees to ensure timely compliance, avoid penalties, and complete income tax filing without delays.

5/26/20263 min read

The tax filing season in India is officially underway for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27. If you are a salaried professional, now is the ideal time to organize your financial documents for the income earned during Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.

Key Deadlines for ITR Filing in 2026

Staying ahead of the Income Tax Department’s schedule is the best way to avoid last-minute rushes, website glitches, and hefty penalties.

Tax Filing Start Date: The official e-filing portal is currently active and accepting returns for specific forms.
Final Due Date: The deadline for individual taxpayers (whose accounts do not require an audit) to file their ITR for AY 2026-27 is July 31, 2026.

Choosing the Right ITR Form: ITR-1 vs. ITR-2 vs. ITR-4

Selecting the correct form is the most vital step in your filing process. Using the wrong form can result in your return being treated as defective by the Income Tax Department.

1. ITR-1 (Sahaj)

This is the most common and simplified form for resident individuals. You should use ITR-1 if:

Your total income for the financial year is up to ₹50 lakh.
Your income comes primarily from a salary or pension.
You own and earn income from one house property.
You have income from other standard sources, such as interest from savings accounts or fixed deposits.

2. ITR-2

If your financial situation is more complex, ITR-2 is likely the correct choice. This form is designed for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who:

Do not have "profits and gains of business or profession."
Have earned income from capital gains (e.g., sale of shares, mutual funds, or property).
Are clubbing their income with that of a spouse or minor child.
Have income from multiple house properties or hold foreign assets.

3. ITR-4 (Sugam)

This form is specifically applicable to resident individuals, HUFs, and firms (excluding LLPs) with a total income up to ₹50 lakh who opt for the presumptive taxation scheme under sections like 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE.

Current Filing Status: Which Utilities Are Live?

The Income Tax Department rolls out filing utilities in phases. Here is the current status of the e-filing portal:

Taxpayers with capital gains or complex incomes should prepare documents and await the portal update.

Special Tax Note: Crypto and Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)

If you traded, invested, or participated in the digital asset market during FY 2025-26, you must navigate a strict tax framework:

Flat Tax Rate: Gains from Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrency are taxed at a flat 30% plus applicable cess and surcharges. No deductions for expenses (other than cost of acquisition) or set off of losses are allowed.
TDS Framework: A 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies to crypto transactions exceeding specified thresholds to track digital footprints.
Expert Insight: While billions continue to flow into the crypto market, parliamentary panels have frequently flagged this trend as "alarming" due to high volatility. Financial experts strongly recommend keeping crypto exposure to a minimal, optional segment of your broader investment portfolio.

Conclusion

Filing your taxes early is the single best strategy to ensure accurate reporting, claim all eligible deductions, and expedite your tax refunds. With the July 31, 2026 deadline fast approaching, individuals eligible for ITR-1 and ITR-4 have a perfect window to file right now before the peak rush.

Don't let the delay in ITR-2 utilities halt your preparation. At Filing4U, we specialize in helping salaried employees decode the complexities of AY 2026-27. Gather your Form 16, AIS, and TIS documents today, and let our experts handle the rest!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I file my ITR for AY 2026-27 right now?

Yes. If your income profile qualifies you for ITR-1 or ITR-4, both the online filing options and offline Excel utilities are fully live on the government's e-filing portal.

2. What happens if I miss the July 31, 2026, deadline?

Missing the deadline attracts a late filing fee (under Section 234F) of up to ₹5,000, interest on any unpaid tax liabilities, and a delay in receiving your tax refunds. Filing early mitigates these unnecessary expenses.

3. I have capital gains from selling stocks and mutual funds. Which form should I use?

Because you have capital gains, you are ineligible to file using ITR-1. You must use ITR-2. Please note that the utility for ITR-2 is expected to be enabled on the e-filing portal shortly; however, you can begin organizing your capital gains statements now.