Income Tax Return Filing 2026: If you are a first-time taxpayer planning to file an income tax return (ITR), the last date for filing an ITR this year is July 31. Many people will be filing their ITR for the first time. However, there is no need to panic. Filing your first ITR is not as complicated as it may seem.
With the right documents and basic information, you can file your income tax return online from the comfort of your home. The entire process is available through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal and can be completed in a few simple steps.
ITR for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27): Check Last Date
For salaried employees, pensioners, and investors filing under ITR-1 or ITR-2, the last date for filing returns is July 31, 2026.
For freelancers and small business owners filing under ITR-3 or ITR-4 (non-audit cases), the deadline is August 31, 2026.
For taxpayers whose accounts require a tax audit, the last date for filing the return is October 31, 2026.
If a taxpayer misses these deadlines, they may have to pay a late filing penalty ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
Income Tax Return Filing: Which ITR Form Should You Fill?
The Income Tax Department provides different ITR forms based on a taxpayer’s sources of income. Selecting the correct form is important to avoid errors during filing.
ITR-1: For individuals having income mainly from salary, pension, one house property, and interest income.
ITR-2: For individuals with income from capital gains, foreign assets, or multiple house properties.
ITR-3: For individuals earning income from business or professional activities.
ITR-4: For taxpayers opting for the presumptive taxation scheme.
Before filing your return, carefully check your income sources and select the applicable form.
ITR Filing: Which Documents Are Required?
Keeping all necessary documents ready can make the filing process easier and faster. You may need the following:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details
- Form 16
- Form 26AS
- TDS certificates
- Investment proofs for claiming tax deductions
- Proof of interest income received from banks and post offices
- Donation receipts, if you want to claim deductions for donations
- Stock trading statements
- Insurance policy receipts
- Aadhaar-validated bank account details
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Interest certificates issued by banks
ITR Online: How to File Your Income Tax Return?
Follow these steps to file your income tax return yourself:
Step 1: Visit the Income Tax Department’s official website: https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/
Step 2: Enter your PAN number and log in. If you are a first-time user, create a new password.
Step 3: After logging in, go to the dashboard and click on e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return.
Step 4: Select the Assessment Year- Choose Assessment Year 2026-27 and continue.
Step 5: Select the online filing option.
Step 6: Choose the appropriate form based on your income type, such as ITR-1 or ITR-2.
Step 7: Keep documents such as Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs ready while entering your details.
Step 8: The portal will ask questions related to your income and deductions. Select the options that apply to your situation.
Step 9: The system will automatically calculate your tax liability based on the information provided.
Step 10: If additional tax is payable, you can choose the Pay Now or Pay Later option.
Step 11: Preview your return carefully, complete the declaration, and proceed with validation.
After successful validation, select Proceed to Verification.
Step 12: Verify your return using methods such as Aadhaar OTP or other available options.
Once verification is completed, you will receive a confirmation message stating that your return has been successfully filed.
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Do Not Forget e-Verification
Filing the return is only one part of the process. Taxpayers must complete e-Verification within 30 days of filing the ITR. If verification is not completed, the return may be treated as incomplete, and any expected refund could be delayed.
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For first-time taxpayers, filing an ITR may appear complicated initially. However, with the correct documents and careful attention, the process can be completed easily online without professional assistance.