ITR filling for AY 2025-26 has not started yet, which usually starts from 1st April every year.
This is the first time in the last 10 years, there is an unexpected delay that has never happened before.
Statistics Of ITR Filing
If you check the statistics in incometax.gov.in, you will be able to see no returns for AY 25-26 has been filed yet.
Reason For Delay
Last year, IT Department modified the ITR software schema on 5th July 2024 i.e., a rebate issue u/s 87A which caused complications for taxpayers to claim Section 87A.
This year IT Department may take more time to avoid such glitches.
Expected Start
Filing is expected to begin from 1st week of June 2025 as the deadline for employers and institutions for TDS filling is 31st May 2025.
Changes in ITR Forms
Several new questions and requirements have been added this year, especially around switching between old and new tax regimes:
- Whether Form 10-IE was filed for opting out of the new regime. Two Methods are there to Opt-Out (Choose One):
| Set A: Filed Form 10-IEA | Set B: No Business Income |
| 1. Declare if you filed Form 10-IEA in AY 2024-25. 2. Mention if you want to continue or stop opting out for AY 2025-26. 3. Provide acknowledgment number and filing date. | 1. Just tick Yes/No in the ITR if you want to opt out (Form 10-IEA not needed). 2. Default is “No” (i.e., new regime will apply if not opted out). |
- Acknowledgement number and filling date required
- Can opt only once, switching back needs fresh Form 10-IE.
- Track maintained assessment year wise.
Capital Gains Reporting Now in More Forms
Earlier limited to ITR-2 and ITR-3, now in ITR-1 and 4 which allow long-term capital gains reporting—if applicable.
Capital Gains Tax Split
Capital gains must now be reported in two parts: pre- and post-July 23, adding complexity.
More Disclosure for Exempt Agricultural Income
If agricultural income exceeds ₹5 lakhs (though still exempt) but additional disclosures such as district, PIN code, land size in acres, ownership/lease details are also required now.
Assets and Liabilities Threshold
The asset/liability disclosure threshold increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.
Tips For Filing
- IT portal may open for ITR filing before they are fully updated.
- Filing too early may result in mismatches in TDS, AIS, or TIS as data takes about a week to reflect in AIS after submission.
- Mismatch possible between tax paid or income details on portal and ITR filed which can lead to discrepancies and notices from the IT department.
What should you do?
- Wait for data sync as these are usually updated by 15th June.
- In the meantime, gather and match financial data with AIS.
Check IT Portal Regularly
Although PDF versions of ITR-1 to ITR-7 are released, the actual online filing utility is not live.
Taxpayers should keep checking the Income Tax portal’s “Downloads” section—once AY 2025–26 appears, filing is open.
