The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released a comprehensive Checklist for Preparation of Income Tax Return (ITR) Forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2025-26. Published by the Direct Taxes Committee of ICAI, the guide aims to assist taxpayers and professionals in accurate return filing, in line with the latest changes in tax laws and reporting requirements.
The checklist, authored under the guidance of CA. Piyush S Chhajed, Chairman of the Direct Taxes Committee, provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and filing ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam). It covers:
- Eligibility and Applicability of ITR-1 and ITR-4
- Modes of Filing - online, offline utility, and paper filing (for super senior citizens)
- Pre-requisites such as PAN-Aadhaar linkage, pre-validation of bank accounts, and e-verification process
- Detailed Section-wise Guidance including income reporting, deductions, tax computation, and verification requirements
- New Provisions for AY 2025-26, including default applicability of the new tax regime and updated reporting under section 139(1).
ICAI highlighted that the checklist is designed to minimize errors, ensure compliance with CBDT's new ITR forms, and support chartered accountants in advising taxpayers effectively. With frequent amendments to tax laws and additional reporting requirements each year, the institute emphasized the need for such structured resources.
The due date for filing ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2025-26 has been extended to September 15, 2025, giving taxpayers additional time to comply.
This initiative reflects ICAI's commitment to capacity building, taxpayer awareness, and enhancing ease of compliance in India's evolving direct tax landscape.
Official copy of the checklist has been attached
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