Income Tax Returns Filing Deadline Extended: ; Check Last Date, Step-by-Step eITR Filing Guide for 7 ITR Forms

In a key update for taxpayers, the Income Tax Department has released all Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for the financial year 2025-26. This includes the standard ITR-1 to ITR-7 forms, as well as the ITR-V verification form. Notably, a new form-ITR-U-was also introduced on May 19. This form allows individuals to file or revise their tax returns for up to 48 months, as per the provisions outlined in the latest Finance Act, offering greater flexibility for compliance.

Income Tax Returns Filing Deadline: Check Last Date to File ITR?

The deadline to file Income Tax Returns for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) is extended from July 31, 2025 to September 15, 2025 for individuals not requiring an audit. Companies and individuals whose accounts need auditing have until October 31, 2025, to file. Belated or revised returns can be submitted up to December 31, 2025. Filing beyond these dates may result in penalties.

Seven ITR Forms Released: How to Register on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal?

The Department has released seven ITR forms for the financial year 2025-26, which include ITR-1 (Sahaj), ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4 (Sugam), ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7. These forms are designed to cater to different categories of taxpayers. For instance, ITR-1 is meant for individuals with income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary and other sources, while ITR-2 covers individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with income above Rs 50 lakh, including capital gains.

ITR-3 applies to those with business or professional income exceeding Rs 50 lakh, and ITR-4 is for individuals, HUFs, and firms with presumptive business income up to Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, ITR-5 serves firms, LLPs, AOPs, and BOIs; ITR-6 is designated for companies excluding charitable trusts; and ITR-7 is intended for trusts, political parties, and institutions required to file under specific tax sections.

The Income Tax Department under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India has made it easier for taxpayers to register on the e-Filing portal for the financial year 2025-26. According to the official website, the pre-login registration service is available to all taxpayers except companies. Once registered, taxpayers can access and track all their tax-related activities conveniently through the portal.

Step-by-step Guide to File ITR Online

You can now file your Income Tax Return or ITR quickly and conveniently from your home or workplace or anywhere. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to follow:

Step 1: Visit the official Income Tax e-filing website. If you're already registered, simply log in using your user ID or PAN, password, and the captcha code. If you're a new user, click on the 'Register' tab at the top right corner of the page and follow the instructions to create your account.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'File Income Tax Return' section. Once you are logged in, go to your dashboard and click on the 'e-File' menu.

Step 3: From the dropdown options, select 'Income Tax Returns', then click on 'File Income Tax Return' to begin. This will take you to the Income Tax Return filing page.

Step 4: Choose the correct Assessment Year-select 'AY 2025-26' if you're filing for the financial year 2024-25. Then, select 'Online' as the mode of filing and click on 'Continue' to proceed.

Step 5: Select the appropriate category from the available options-Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or Others. This selection ensures that the system shows you the correct set of ITR forms. Once selected, click on 'Continue' to move to the next step.

Step 6: Choose the correct ITR form based on your income type and filing status. There are a total of seven ITR forms, but only ITR-1 to ITR-4 are meant for Individuals and HUFs. Select the form that best matches your financial situation to proceed with accurate filing.

To register, taxpayers need to have a valid PAN, an active mobile number, and a valid email ID. After entering and validating their PAN, users must fill in their basic details such as name, date of birth, gender, and residential status as per their PAN records. Next, they need to provide their contact details, including their primary mobile number, email ID, and address.

eITR Filing OTP Verification Process

Verification is done through two OTPs sent separately to the registered mobile number and email ID. These OTPs are valid for 15 minutes, and users have three attempts to enter them correctly. After verification, users can set a password that meets the portal's security criteria before completing the registration.

FAQs

What is the last date to file Income Tax Return for FY 2024-25?

The deadline for individuals not requiring audit is September 15, 2025. For companies and audited accounts, the deadline is October 31, 2025.

Can I file or revise my tax returns for previous years?

Yes, using the new ITR-U form, taxpayers can file or revise returns for up to 48 months as per the latest Finance Act.

How many ITR forms are released for FY 2025-26?

The Income Tax Department has released seven ITR forms.

What documents do I need to register on the e-filing portal?

You need a valid PAN, an active mobile number, and a valid email ID to register.