ITR Filing 2026: As taxpayers begin preparing to file their income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2026-27, tax experts are advising caution and recommending that individuals wait until at least
June 15 before submitting their returns.
According to tax expert Gauri Chadha, filing an ITR too early could lead to errors and may even require taxpayers to file an updated return later if key tax documents are not fully updated.
Check Form 16 Carefully
Chadha said salaried taxpayers should thoroughly verify their Form 16 once they receive it from their employers.
“When you get Form 16, go through that form extensively. If you spot any mismatch, immediately inform your employer and get it rectified. Filing correct ITR is ultimately the taxpayer’s responsibility,” she said.
Employers are required to issue Form 16 to employees after filing their quarterly TDS returns for the January-March quarter. As per the income tax rules, the last date for employers to issue Form 16 for FY 2025-26 is June 15, 2026.
Chadha advised taxpayers to carefully check:
- PAN, name and address details
- Gross salary mentioned in Form 16 and compare it with salary slips and CTC
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) details
- Deductions and exemptions claimed
- Matching of tax information with Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS).
Why June 15 Is Important
While the income tax department has already enabled ITR forms on the e-filing portal, Chadha noted that crucial tax information statements may not yet reflect complete data.
“Though ITR forms have been enabled on the e-filing portal, Forms AS26 and AIS are not completely updated yet,” she said.
She said filing returns based on incomplete information might create complications later.
“If you file your ITR based on the incomplete AS26 or AIS, you might have to file an updated ITR later. After June 15, your updated AS26, AIS and Form 16 should be available,” Chadha added.
What Are Form 26AS and AIS?
Form 26AS is a consolidated tax statement that contains details of TDS, tax collected at source (TCS), advance tax payments and other tax-related transactions.
The Annual Information Statement (AIS) provides a broader view of a taxpayer’s financial transactions, including interest income, dividend income, securities transactions and other specified information reported to the tax department.
Experts say taxpayers should reconcile these documents with Form 16 before filing their returns to avoid notices or mismatches.
ITR Filing Deadlines for AY 2026-27
The Income Tax Department has prescribed the following deadlines for filing returns:
July 31, 2026: Salaried individuals, pensioners and taxpayers not requiring audit.
August 31, 2026: Certain business taxpayers covered under the newly introduced deadline.
October 31, 2026: Businesses requiring tax audit and specified professionals covered under audit provisions.
November 30, 2026: Taxpayers required to furnish transfer pricing reports.
