How to File ITR Under New Income Tax Act 2025

Starting FY 2026-27, your Income Tax Return will be filed under the Income Tax Act 2025. The filing process, deadlines, and penalties remain the same - only the section numbers referenced on the form change. Here is what you need to know.

Key Section Mapping for ITR Filing

ITR Filing Due Dates: No Change

The filing deadlines under the new act remain identical to the current schedule:

• July 31: Individuals, HUFs, and taxpayers not requiring audit
• October 31: Businesses and professionals requiring audit (turnover above Rs 1 crore for business, Rs 50 lakh for professionals)
• November 30: Taxpayers required to furnish transfer pricing report
• December 31: Belated return (with late fee of Rs 5,000 under Section 234F equivalent)
• December 31: Revised return (to correct errors in original return)

Penalties for Late Filing: Same Rules, New Numbers

• Late filing fee: Rs 5,000 if filed after July 31 but before December 31. Rs 1,000 if total income is below Rs 5 lakh.
• Interest under Section 423 (old 234A): 1% per month on unpaid tax, from the due date until the date of filing
• Interest under Section 424 (old 234B): 1% per month on shortfall in advance tax payment (if advance tax paid is less than 90% of assessed tax)
• Interest under Section 425 (old 234C): 1% per month for deferment of advance tax instalments

Which ITR Form to Use

The ITR form selection criteria remain unchanged:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): Salaried individuals with income up to Rs 50 lakh, one house property, interest income, and agricultural income up to Rs 5,000
• ITR-2: Individuals and HUFs without business income but with capital gains, multiple properties, or foreign income
• ITR-3: Individuals and HUFs with business or professional income
• ITR-4 (Sugam): Presumptive income under Section 58 (old 44AD/44ADA/44AE) with income up to Rs 50 lakh
• ITR-5: Partnership firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs
• ITR-6: Companies (other than those claiming Section 140 exemption)
• ITR-7: Trusts, political parties, institutions

Advance Tax: Who Needs to Pay

If your total tax liability for the year exceeds Rs 10,000, you must pay advance tax in instalments:

• June 15: At least 15% of estimated tax
• September 15: At least 45% of estimated tax
• December 15: At least 75% of estimated tax
• March 15: 100% of estimated tax

Senior citizens (60+) without business income are exempt from advance tax. This continues under the new act.

Verification: Same Options

After filing, you must verify your return within 30 days. Options remain the same:

• Aadhaar OTP (most common)
• Net banking
• Bank account EVC
• Demat account EVC
• Physical ITR-V sent to CPC Bengaluru (not recommended - slow)

What Changes for FY 2026-27 Filing

The Income Tax Department will update the e-filing portal and ITR forms to reference new section numbers. Your CA or tax software will handle the mapping automatically. The filing experience from your side will be identical - only the section references printed on the form change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Income Tax Act 2025 and is not tax advice. Consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.