ITR Filing 2026: Last Date for Salaried & Pensioners

Overview

A formal declaration is called an Income Tax Return (ITR), which is submitted to the Income Tax Department. The initial stage in filing your tax return is reporting total gross taxable income, listing all the exemptions or deductions available to you, and determining net tax due (or tax refund) based on the income reported for the prior year(s). Employees of companies who receive salary income, or pensioners, must file an ITR to claim a refund of any excess amount that may have been deducted from their salary or pension as Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

Since employees and pensioners will not be subject to more complex audits, most taxpayers will complete their ITR using forms ITR-1 or ITR-2. The deadline for submission of ITR forms ITR1/ITR2 is July 31, 2026. If the submission deadline is not met, an automatic penalty and monthly interest will apply to the amount owed, and the right to carry forward losses is lost. This guide outlines how to determine which tax form to use and when to file your tax form to ensure you do not incur any penalties for late filing.

What are the Key ITR Updates for 2026?

The Income Tax Department has introduced new updates related to tax filing. The major key updates include:

• New Tax Legislation: The older Income Tax Act of 1961 has been replaced with the new Income Tax Act of 2025. A total of 167 rules are reduced out of 500 under the new Income Tax Act, 2025.

• Renumbered Compliance Forms: To streamline the compliance formalities, multiple tax forms are combined or renumbered. For example, Form 16 has been renumbered to Form 130, and Form 26AS has been renumbered to Form 168.
• Filing Timeline: Salaried individuals and non-audit business professionals using ITR-1 or ITR-2 have an initial filing deadline of July 31, 2026. However, if your business requires a statutory tax audit, the due date is October 31, 2026. Belated or revised returns can be filed until December 31, 2026.

• Standard Deduction Changes: The Standard Deduction under the new regime is Rs 75,000, whereas under the old regime it stood at Rs 50,000.

Who Needs to File ITR in 2026?

Filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) is essential when the annual gross total income exceeds the basic exemption, if you want to claim a refund, or if you meet specific high-value transaction criteria. For ITR filing in 2026, you must fall into any of the following categories:

Income Exceeds Basic Exemption Limit

You need to file an ITR depending on your chosen tax regime type and age. As per the old regime, ITR filing is compulsory if the total gross income exceeds Rs 2.5 lakhs for individuals who are under 60. Whereas, under the new regime, the basic exemption limit is standard across all age groups, and filing is compulsory if the gross total income exceeds Rs 4 lakh.

Specific Expenditure & Asset Criteria

When should a person file an ITR even if their income is below the exemption limit? Well, filing the ITR is mandatory under the 7th proviso to Section 139(1) if you deposit over Rs 1 crore in one or more current bank accounts. You must also file an ITR if you spend more than Rs 2 lakh on foreign travel or incur an electricity bill of more than Rs 1 lakh during the financial year.

Business or Profession

The registered businesses, such as LLPs, companies, and firms, must file the ITR regardless of profit or loss. The individuals with businesses or professional interests must also file ITR.

Foreign Assets/Income

If you have assets located outside India or spent Rs 2 lakh or more on foreign travel, you must file an ITR.

Key ITR Filing Dates for AY 2026-27: Salaried Individuals 

The salaried individuals and pensioners who do not require a tax audit must file the ITR (Income Tax Return) on the respective date to avoid a late penalty. The key ITR deadline follows:

Important Note: If the salaried taxpayers failed to file by July 31, 2026, they can still file, but it triggers late filing fees, including additional interest under Section 234F.

Choose the Right ITR Form: ITR-1 or ITR-2

Taxpayers and pensioners should know whether they qualify to file ITR-1 (Sahaj) or ITR-2 based on the source of their income. You cannot file ITR-1 if you have capital gains, income from foreign assets, hold a directorship in a company, or have unlisted equity shares. Select the right income tax return form as per your total income:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): This form is applicable for those who have one house property, income from salary/pension, interest from savings/FDs, and a family pension. One must file ITR-1 if the total income is up to Rs 50 lakh or if the income comes from agricultural activities up to Rs 5,000.

• ITR-2: This income return form is filed by individuals who deal with more complex or higher-tier income. Filing this form is crucial if income comes from a salary/pension, having multiple house properties, and managing capital gains. To file it, the income must exceed Rs 50 lakh.

What Documents are Required for ITR Filing 2026? 

To file the Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), the salaried and pensioner taxpayers are required to prepare multiple documents for proof. Here are the major documents that you should collect before filing:

• Form 16 issued by the employer
• Bank passbook or pension slip for pension statement
• Form 16A issued by banks or corporate bodies (TDS Certificate)
• Internet certificates issued by post offices and banks 
• Capital gains statement to show profits
• Annual Information Statement (AIS) for comprehensive records
• Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) for pre-filing return
• PAN card, Aadhaar card, and bank details for personal identification
• Form 26AS to show the TDS deduction source
• Section 80C receipts, Section 80D proof, Section 24(b) certificates, Section 80G receipts, and HRA documents, if applied under the old tax regime.

Step-by-Step ITR Filing Process for Individuals & Pensioners

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process is completely digital and must be filed by using the official e-filing portal. Follow the steps to file the form accurately:

Step 1: Choose the Required ITR Form

Determining the valid ITR form is important before starting the return filing process for salaried individuals in 2026. Must file the ITR-1 if your total income is up to Rs 50 lakh (one house property, salary/pension, and other sources). Otherwise, file the ITR-2 form if the income comes from foreign assets or capital gains.

Step 2: Prepare Supported Documents

Prepare all the supported documents as per the requirements. The core documents include a PAN card, an Aadhaar card, Form 16, proof of investment, and other major certificates.

Step 3: Log in to the Official Portal

Log in to the official Income Tax Department portal by using your PAN or Aadhaar card.

Step 4: Navigate File & Select AY

Once logged in to the ID on the portal, go to the section e-file>Income Tax Returns>File Income Tax Return. Select the current Assessment Year (e.g., AY 2026-27).

Step 5: Filing Mode & Status

Choose the online mode and then go with the "Start New Filing" option. Once it is completed, you must choose an individual status.

Step 6: Verify Pre-Filled Data

The portal will show the pre-filled data related to your income and tax deduction. You need to verify all pre-filled information against your AIS and Form 16.

Step 7: Select the Regime

If you want to claim exemptions and deductions, you must select the Old Tax Regime mode; otherwise, select the New Tax Regime, as it is the default mode.

Step 8: Submit Form & E-Verify

Ensure the accuracy of all mentioned details and submit. To verify the return filing, use the Aadhaar OTP or net banking, which is an instant process. You can verify it within 30 days of submitting it; otherwise, it is mentioned that ITR filing is not legally completed.

Important Note: Pension is treated as "Salary Income" under the Income Tax Act. It defines that pensioners are also eligible for a Standard Deduction.

How to Check ITR Status & Download ITR-V?

Individuals and pensioners can check their ITR status as well as download it on the official Income Tax e-filing portal. To check the status, you must navigate to the incometax.gov.in website and log in to your dashboard or use the quick tracking tool by entering your PAN, Assessment Year, and Acknowledgement Number. Once accessed, the dashboard will show whether your return is successfully e-verified, under processing, or processed.

To download your ITR-V acknowledgement, follow these steps:

• Navigate Invoice: Visit the section e-file on the official portal of the Income Tax Department and move forward with Income Tax Returns>View Filed Returns.
• Locate Your Return: On the portal's dashboard, it shows your past and current filed tax returns, which are arranged by assessment year. Look for the AY 2026-27 option to download the recent FY 2025-26 earnings.
• Download the Acknowledgement: The ITR-V acknowledgement will be saved to your device in PDF format.

Winding Up

On-time ITR filing for AY 2026-27 is crucial to avoid penalties, stay compliant, and claim your tax refunds. To meet all regulatory obligations, salaried individuals and pensioners must file their returns before July 31, 2026. The filing process has become more data-driven due to integrated tools like Form 168 (26AS) and the AIS. However, during filing, it requires careful attention to avoid major mistakes like incorrect deduction claims and missing interest income. That's where JustStart plays a major role, as the platform provides reliable and quality guidance for ITR filing AY 2026-27. Avoid ITR filing delays, start the process with JustStart, and secure your financial compliance today.

Got Doubt? Clear with Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the last deadline for ITR Filing 2026 for salaried individuals?

Ans. Salaried individuals must file their Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 (Assessment Year AY 2026-27) on or before July 31, 2026.

Q2. What if I missed the initial July 31 deadline for ITR filing in 2026?

Ans. If you miss the July 31st deadline, you can still file a belated return. You must file this belated return by December 31, 2026; however, it triggers late filing fees under Section 234F and incurs interest on any unpaid taxes.

Q3. Which ITR form should be filed by salaried employees?

Ans. Salaried individuals typically file either ITR-1 (Sahaj) or ITR-2. The correct form choice depends primarily on your total gross income, residency status, asset ownership, and specific capital gains criteria.

Q4. Is pension taxable in ITR 2026?

Ans. Yes, pension income is taxable under the head "Salaries." You need to report it while filing your ITR for the relevant assessment year, and it qualifies for the standard deduction.

Q5. Can I file ITR without Form 16?

Ans. Yes, you can file your ITR without Form 130. However, you will need to gather alternative references such as monthly salary slips, your bank statements, Form 168 (26AS), and your Annual Information Statement (AIS) to compile the data accurately.

Q6. Can I check the ITR status by using the PAN Card?

Ans. Yes, you can check your ITR stats using your PAN. To track a quick status externally, you will need your PAN, Acknowledgement Number, and mobile number. Alternatively, you can log directly into the official e-filing portal.

Q7. What is the ITR filing start date for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27?

Ans. The statutory assessment cycle for AY 2026-27 begins on April 1, 2026, for income earned in the preceding financial year. Online utilities on the e-filing portal generally roll out for taxpayers across April and May.

Q8. What is the deadline to file ITR-3 and ITR-4?

Ans. For individual taxpayers and non-audit businesses filing ITR-3 or ITR-4, the deadline is August 31, 2026. If the business is legally subject to a mandatory corporate tax audit, the filing deadline is October 31, 2026.

Q9. Is the due date extended for ITR?

Ans.  No official notification has been released by the Income Tax Department regarding a deadline extension. The ITR filing deadline for salaried individuals and pensioners remains July 31, 2026.

Q10. Can I file ITR by myself?

Ans. Yes, you can absolutely file the Income Tax Return (ITR) by yourself, as the process is straightforward and follows on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.