The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the Income-tax (Sixth Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing a revised ITR-6 form applicable for the Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27.
The notification, issued on 30th March 2026, amends the Income-tax Rules, 1962 and replaces the existing ITR-6 form with an updated version aimed at improving transparency, disclosures, and reporting standards for companies.
Applicability of ITR-6
The revised ITR-6 form will apply to:
- All companies except those claiming exemption under Section 11 (charitable/religious trusts)
- Companies required to file returns for AY 2026-27 onwards
The rules come into effect from 31st March 2026 and will apply to returns filed for the relevant assessment year.
Key Highlights of the New ITR-6 Form
1. Enhanced Disclosure Requirements
The updated form seeks detailed disclosures on:
- Corporate identity and structural changes
- Shareholding patterns and beneficial ownership
- Startup recognition and DPIIT certification details
- MSME registration status
2. Expanded Reporting for Compliance
Companies must now provide:
- Information on Significant Economic Presence (SEP) for non-residents
- Details of international taxation and treaty residency
- Audit-related disclosures under multiple sections
3. Financial Transparency Boost
The revised form includes:
- Detailed balance sheet and financial statement reporting
- Segregation of current and non-current assets and liabilities
- Reporting aligned with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
4. Audit & Turnover-Based Reporting
New fields capture:
- Turnover thresholds (₹1 crore, ₹10 crore, etc.)
- Cash transaction percentages impacting audit applicability
- Compliance under presumptive taxation sections
5. Improved Digital & Contact Information Capture
Companies must provide:
- Updated contact details (mobile, email)
- Multiple addresses for communication
- Filing status with detailed section-wise classification
Impact on Corporates
The revised ITR-6 is expected to:
- Strengthen data-driven tax assessments
- Improve tracking of corporate structures and ownership
- Enhance compliance monitoring for startups, MSMEs, and foreign entities
- Increase the compliance burden due to granular disclosures
Tax professionals and companies will need to review internal data systems and reporting processes to ensure smooth filing under the new format.
Conclusion
The CBDT's move to revamp the ITR-6 form reflects a broader push towards greater transparency, digitization and regulatory oversight in corporate taxation. Companies must proactively adapt to these changes to avoid errors and ensure timely compliance for AY 2026-27.
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