How to File Your Income Tax Return: Forms, Documents & Deadline
By CA Aman Singhal20 June 20266 min read
Filing your income tax return doesn’t have to be stressful once you know which form to use and what to keep ready. Here is a plain-English walkthrough for FY 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27).
Which ITR form do you need?
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): salary, one house property and other income, total up to ₹50 lakh.
- ITR-2: capital gains, more than one house, or no business income.
- ITR-3: income from business or profession.
- ITR-4 (Sugam): presumptive income under 44AD / 44ADA / 44AE.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Form 16 from your employer
- Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Bank and FD interest certificates
- Capital-gains statements (broker / mutual fund)
- Proof of deductions (80C, 80D, home loan, donations)
The deadline
For most individuals (non-audit cases), the due date is 31 July 2026. You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026, but with a late fee under Section 234F.
File, then verify
Want it done accurately and on time, with every deduction claimed? CA Aman files individual and business ITRs — or estimate your tax first with our Income Tax Calculator.
This article is for general information based on provisions for FY 2025-26 and is not individual tax advice. Rules change and exceptions apply — please confirm with a qualified Chartered Accountant before acting.