ITR-1 and ITR-4 Filing Starts for AY 2025–26: Check Eligibility Before You File
The Income Tax Department has officially opened the window for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025–26. Taxpayers can now file their returns online using ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms via the official e-filing portal. These forms come with key details prefilled, making the process faster and easier.
This development follows the recent release of the Excel utilities for both ITR-1 and ITR-4. In a welcome move, the department has also extended the deadline for filing returns to September 15, 2025, giving individuals more time to adapt to updated forms and portal enhancements. This extension provides relief during the busy tax-filing season, which typically ends in July.
Who Can File ITR-1?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is meant for resident individuals whose total income does not exceed Rs 50 lakh during the financial year. It is suitable for those who earn:
-
Income from salary or pension
-
Income from one house property
-
Family pension
-
Agricultural income up to Rs 5,000
-
Interest from savings, fixed deposits, or tax refunds
Who Cannot File ITR-1?
You are not eligible for ITR-1 if you:
-
Earn income from business or capital gains
-
Own more than one house property
-
Have income from lottery, race horses, or similar sources
-
Are taxed under special provisions like section 115BBDA or 115BBE
Who Can File ITR-4?
ITR-4 is applicable for resident individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLPs) with income up to Rs 50 lakh from:
-
Business or profession under the presumptive taxation scheme (sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE)
-
Salary or pension
-
Interest income
-
Agricultural income up to Rs 5,000
Who Cannot File ITR-4?
You cannot use ITR-4 if you:
-
Are a non-resident or resident but not ordinarily resident
-
Are a director in a company
-
Own more than one house property
-
Have held unlisted equity shares
-
Have deferred tax on ESOPs from eligible startups
-
Have income from lottery, betting, or horse racing
Final Words
Choosing the correct ITR form is essential for smooth and compliant tax filing. With prefilled data and extended deadlines, the 2025–26 filing process is designed to be simpler and more user-friendly. Take the time to review your income sources and select the right form to avoid errors and future complications.
