If you are preparing for ITR Filing AY 2025–26, an important development needs your attention. Although the Income Tax Department has notified all ITR forms (ITR-1 to ITR-7), return filing is not yet possible as of May 22, 2025. This is due to the unavailability of e-filing utilities on the official Income Tax portal (www.incometax.gov.in).
These utilities are essential for both online and offline filing, and until they are activated, taxpayers are unable to submit their returns.
If you’re looking for expert assistance to navigate these changes, FilingIn offers personalized tax planning and seamless ITR filing services designed to meet your specific needs.
Why E-Filing Utilities Are Critical for ITR Filing AY 2025–26
E-filing utilities are tools released by the Income Tax Department to:
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Enter return data in a structured format
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Validate and verify the details before submission
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Upload and file the return securely through the portal
Without these utilities, the ITR submission process remains incomplete, regardless of whether the forms have been notified.
Expected Timeline and Impact on ITR Filing AY 2025–26
In comparison to the previous assessment year, the delay is notable. By April 16, 2024, utilities for forms like ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-4 were already available. However, for AY 2025–26, the filing tools have not been released even by mid-May.
The delay is believed to be due to technical updates required after the changes introduced in Budget 2024. As a result, testing and implementation of the updated utilities are taking more time.
Estimated release schedule:
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ITR-1 and ITR-4: Late May or early June 2025
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ITR-2, ITR-3, and ITR-7: Likely to follow thereafter
Despite this delay, there is no official notification regarding an extension of the July 31, 2025 filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why can’t I file my ITR despite the release of forms?
Because the required e-filing utilities are not yet live on the portal. - What are these utilities?
They are digital tools (online and downloadable) that help users prepare, validate, and submit their ITR. - When will the utilities be available?
Possibly by the end of May or early June 2025, beginning with simpler forms. - Can I use third-party software to file my return?
Only after the Income Tax Department releases the official schema and utility support. - Is there a chance the ITR deadline will be extended?
As of now, there is no official announcement about an extension.
