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📅 Published: 2025 🔄 Last Updated: 31 July 2026 ⏱ 8 min read ✍ Reviewed by Anirban Roy, FCA
Tax Filing Guide · FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

How to File Your First Income Tax Return — Before Today's Deadline

31 July is the filing deadline for ITR-1 and ITR-2, non-audit cases, for FY 2025-26. If this is your first return and you haven't filed yet, here's the fastest correct path — which form applies to you, what you need on hand, and what actually happens if you miss it today.

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⏰ The Deadline, As It Stands Today Per the Income Tax Department's own guidance, the due date for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) is 31 July 2026 for ITR-1 and ITR-2 non-audit filers, and 31 August 2026 for ITR-3/ITR-4 non-audit cases. This has not been extended as of this writing. CBDT has extended deadlines in prior years, so if you're reading this after today, check the official portal or recent news for any announced extension before assuming you've missed it entirely — and even if you have, a belated return remains possible.
Do I need to file an ITR for the first time? If your gross income exceeds the basic exemption limit, or certain other conditions apply (large bank deposits, foreign travel spending, high electricity bills, or wanting to claim a TDS refund), you're required to file — even if the new tax regime makes your final tax liability zero.

Which ITR Form Applies to You

Your SituationForm to Use
Salaried, simple income, no capital gains beyond ₹1.25 Lakh LTCGITR-1 (Sahaj)
Salaried with capital gains, multiple house properties, or foreign assetsITR-2
Business/professional income under presumptive taxation (44AD/44ADA)ITR-4 (Sugam)
Business/professional income with full books of accountITR-3

Most genuine first-time filers with a single salary and no complex investments fall under ITR-1.

Filing Your First Return: Step by Step

  1. Gather your documents. Form 16 from your employer, bank statements, Form 26AS, and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) — both available on the e-filing portal.
  2. Log in to the official e-filing portal. Visit incometax.gov.in and register using your PAN if this is your first time.
  3. Select the correct ITR form and Assessment Year. For income earned in FY 2025-26, select AY 2026-27.
  4. Choose your tax regime. The new regime is now the default; you can still opt for the old regime if it results in lower tax, given your specific deductions.
  5. Review pre-filled data against Form 16 and AIS. The portal pre-fills much of your salary and TDS data — verify it matches your actual documents before submitting.
  6. Submit and e-verify. Your return isn't considered filed until e-verified — via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or another supported method — within the prescribed window.
The New Regime Is Now Default — Check Before You File Since FY 2025-26, the new tax regime is the default option, with income up to ₹12 Lakh effectively tax-free after rebate. If you have significant deductions under the old regime (80C, 80D, home loan interest), actively compare both regimes before submitting — the portal allows you to choose either, but won't automatically pick the better one for you.

What If You Miss Today's Deadline?

  • Belated return: you can still file until 31 December 2026, though a late fee of ₹1,000-₹5,000 and interest under Section 234A on any unpaid tax will typically apply.
  • Lost benefits: late filing can mean losing the ability to carry forward certain losses to future years.
  • Updated return (ITR-U): if you discover an error even after the belated window, an updated return remains possible within the broader statutory time limit, subject to specific conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

31 July 2026 for ITR-1 and ITR-2 non-audit filers, per the Income Tax Department's current guidance — always check the official portal for any last-minute extension.
Possibly yes — filing requirements depend on gross income and other specified conditions, not just your final tax liability. When in doubt, file.
Most first-time filers with straightforward salary income and no major capital gains use ITR-1 (Sahaj).
You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026, though late fees and interest on any unpaid tax will typically apply.
Yes — your ITR is a key document for future loan applications, visa processing, and credit assessments, which is why filing accurately matters beyond this year's deadline alone.

Filing Today, Planning Ahead

Getting your first ITR filed correctly — even under deadline pressure — sets the foundation for every future financial decision that depends on it, from a home loan to a business loan a few years down the line. CreditCares has facilitated over ₹2,000 Crore in loan disbursals for 500+ clients across 80+ banks and NBFCs since 2012, and understands exactly how your ITR history gets used when that day comes.

Planning a Loan in the Near Future?

Once your ITR is filed, let CreditCares help you understand how it positions you for future financing.

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Official source: incometax.gov.in, Income Tax Department, Government of India.

CreditCares is a private loan consultancy and is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department. This content is educational and does not constitute tax advice; deadlines, forms, and rules are set by the Income Tax Department and CBDT and are subject to change, including possible extensions announced after publication. Always verify current deadlines on the official portal and consult a qualified Chartered Accountant for advice specific to your situation.

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