How to File Your Income Tax Return (ITR) for AY 2026-27: A Comprehensive Guide
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is more than just a legal obligation; it is a vital record of your financial standing. At Sagar S Gupta & Co, we believe that tax compliance should be transparent and stress-free.
Whether you are a salaried professional, a freelancer, or a business owner in Varanasi, this guide will walk you through the updated filing process for the current assessment year.
⚠️ Important Update for AY 2026-27
In line with the latest Finance Acts, the New Tax Regime is now the default for all taxpayers. If you wish to claim deductions under Section 80C, 80D, or HRA, you must explicitly opt for the Old Tax Regime at the start of your filing process.
Step 1: Checklist of Required Documents
Before logging into the Income Tax Portal, ensure you have these documents ready to avoid session timeouts:
- PAN & Aadhaar: Must be linked to avoid your PAN becoming inoperative.
- Form 16/16A: From your employer or deductors.
- AIS & TIS: The Annual Information Statement (AIS) is the most critical document to verify your pre-filled data.
- Bank Statements: For interest income and confirming your primary account for refunds.
- Investment Proofs: Only required if you are opting for the Old Tax Regime.
Step 2: Choosing the Correct ITR Form
Selecting the wrong form can result in a "Defective Return" notice.
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Form
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Eligibility
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ITR-1 (Sahaj)
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Salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 Lakh and one house property.
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ITR-2
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Individuals with Capital Gains or more than one house property.
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ITR-3
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Professionals or Business owners with proprietary firms.
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ITR-4 (Sugam)
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Small businesses opting for Presumptive Taxation (u/s 44AD/44ADA).
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Step 3: The Filing Process
- Login: Access the e-filing portal using your PAN/Aadhaar.
- Select AY: Choose Assessment Year 2026-27.
- Validate Pre-filled Data: Check the income reflected from your AIS. If there are discrepancies, you must provide feedback on the portal.
- Confirm Tax Liability: Calculate your final tax. If you have a balance, pay it via e-Pay Tax before submitting.
- Submit & e-Verify: The most crucial step. You have 30 days to verify your return via Aadhaar OTP or Net Banking.
📅 Key Deadlines to Remember
- July 31, 2026: Deadline for Salaried Individuals and Non-Audit cases.
- August 31, 2026: Extended deadline for Non-Audit Business/Profession cases (ITR-3 & 4).
- October 31, 2026: Deadline for Audit cases.