Income Tax Return 2025: When Will Filing Start? Types of Forms and Online Filing Process

As the financial year 2024-25 nears its end, taxpayers need to prepare to file their income tax returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26. The process will begin on April 1, 2025, and can be done online or offline. The Income Tax Department updates forms and tools every year to make the process smooth and easy.

Why Filing ITR is Important?

Filing an income tax return is not just a legal requirement but also helps in financial planning. A filed ITR serves as proof of income and tax payment, which is useful when applying for loans, visas, and other financial transactions.

Types of ITR Forms and Their Uses

There are different ITR forms depending on the source and amount of income. Choosing the correct form is essential for filing your return.

1. ITR-1 (Sahaj) – For Salaried Individuals and Pensioners

Who can use it?

• Resident individuals with an income up to ₹50 lakh. 
• Salaried employees, pensioners, and those with income from a single house. 
• Individuals earning from interest or other small sources. 

Who cannot use it?

• Individuals with capital gains income. 
• Business owners. 
• Those who own foreign assets. 

2. ITR-2 – For High-Income Earners and Investors

Who can use it?

• Individuals earning more than ₹50 lakh. 
• Those with multiple income sources, including salary, multiple properties, capital gains, or foreign assets. 
• Individuals earning agricultural income above ₹5,000. 

3. ITR-3 – For Business Owners and Professionals

Who can use it?

• Individuals running a business or profession (such as doctors, lawyers, freelancers). 
• Those earning from capital gains in the stock market or other investments. 

4. ITR-4 (Sugam) – For Small Business Owners

Who can use it?

• Small business owners under presumptive taxation. 
• Individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh. 
• Self-employed professionals like shopkeepers, plumbers, electricians, and drivers. 

Who cannot use it?

• Individuals earning from foreign assets. 
• Those eligible for special tax exemptions. 

5. ITR-5 – For Partnerships and Trusts

Used by partnership firms, LLPs, societies, and trusts.

6. ITR-6 – For Companies

Applicable to all companies that do not claim exemptions under Section 11.

7. ITR-7 – For Charitable Organizations and Political Parties

Used by charitable trusts, research institutes, religious institutions, and political parties.

Important Deadlines for ITR Filing (AY 2025-26)

• Individuals & firms (without audit requirement): July 31, 2025 
• Businesses requiring an audit: October 15, 2025 
• Businesses needing transfer pricing reports: November 30, 2025 

How to File ITR Online?

Filing ITR online is quick and simple. Follow these steps:

1. Login to the Income Tax Portal 
   • Visit the official e-Filing website. 
   • Enter PAN/Aadhaar and password. 
2. Start the Filing Process 
   • Go to the ‘e-File’ section. 
   • Click on ‘File Income Tax Return’. 
   • Select Assessment Year 2025-26. 
3. Choose the Correct ITR Form 
   • The portal may suggest the right form based on your income sources. 
4. Enter Income and Tax Details 
   • Provide details of salary, business income, capital gains, and deductions. 
   • Check pre-filled data from Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS). 
5. Verify Tax Calculation 
   • Check whether you need to pay additional tax or are eligible for a refund. 
6. Submit and E-Verify ITR 
   • Complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or a digital signature. 
7. Download Acknowledgment (ITR-V) 
   • Save ITR-V as proof of filing for future reference. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a salaried employee, business owner, or freelancer, filing ITR on time is crucial. It ensures compliance with tax laws and helps in financial planning. Avoid last-minute hassles by preparing your documents early and filing your returns before the due date.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.