When Can We File ITR for AY 2025–26?
When Can We File ITR for AY 2025–26?
Complete Filing Timeline for FY 2024–25
The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season is around the corner, and one of the most common questions taxpayers ask is:
“When can I file ITR for Assessment Year 2025–26?”
Whether you're a salaried employee, freelancer, or small business owner, this article will guide you on when ITR filing officially begins, what forms to expect, and how to prepare for a smooth filing experience.
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📘 First, Understand AY 2025–26
• Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 is the period during which you file and assess income earned in Financial Year (FY) 2024–25 (i.e., from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025).
In short:
🧾 Income earned in FY 2024–25 is reported in AY 2025–26.
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📅 When Does ITR Filing Start for AY 2025–26?
ITR filing usually begins after the financial year ends—typically in April or May—depending on when:
1. The ITR forms are notified by the Income Tax Department
2. The e-filing utility is made live on incometax.gov.in
⏳ Expected Start Date:
🗓️ Between April and May 2025
(For salaried individuals and non-audit cases)
🔔 The exact date varies each year. For instance:
• For AY 2023–24, ITR-1 and ITR-4 were enabled by May 20, 2023
• For AY 2024–25, filing opened around May 20, 2024
So, for AY 2025–26, you can reasonably expect filing to begin by mid-May 2025
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✅ Who Can File Early?
If you are:
• A salaried individual
• Having income from one house property
• Having interest income (savings, FD, etc.)
• Total income is below ₹50 lakh
You’ll most likely file using ITR-1 or ITR-4, which are usually the first to go live.
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📝 When Is the Last Date to File ITR for AY 2025–26?
Return Type Last Date
Regular return (non-audit cases) 31st July 2025
Tax audit cases 31st October 2025
Belated return 31st December 2025
Updated return (ITR-U) Up to 31st March 2028
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🔁 Can I File ITR Before 1st April 2025?
No.
Even if you know your total income, you cannot file your ITR before the end of FY 2024–25, i.e., before 31st March 2025.
The Income Tax Portal accepts returns only after 1st April 2025, once the new Assessment Year begins.
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💡 Tips to Prepare for Early Filing
1. ✅ Ensure your PAN is linked with Aadhaar
2. 📄 Collect Form 16 (usually available by 15th June)
3. 🧾 Download Form 26AS and AIS from the income tax portal
4. 💳 Reconcile income from interest, mutual funds, capital gains
5. 📆 Mark calendar dates to avoid last-minute rush
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Final Words
You can file your ITR for AY 2025–26 anytime after the Income Tax Department activates the portal—expected around April–May 2025. The sooner you file, the quicker you get your refund and avoid late fees.
Whether you're salaried or self-employed, filing early means peace of mind and financial discipline.
