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The Income Tax Department has expedited the tax filing process for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27. The department has released Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4, which means that now salaried, pensioners and small taxpayers can start filing their returns. The department had already made the online portal live, now the way for offline filing has also been cleared. But in this hurry to file returns, it is very important to take some precautions, otherwise a notice from the department may knock at your door.

Last date is 31st July: complete the work on time

For taxpayers who do not need to get their accounts audited, the deadline for filing income tax returns has been fixed as July 31, 2026. Although there is still plenty of time, tax experts say that filing should be started from now to avoid last-minute technical problems and increased load on the website. Filing returns on time not only provides peace of mind, but your refund is also processed faster.

Who can fill ITR-1 (Sahaj) form?

ITR-1, also known as ‘Sahaj’ form, is for resident Indians with annual income up to Rs 50 lakh. The scope of this form includes salary, pension, income from a house property and interest from bank savings or FD. Additionally, if you have agricultural income up to Rs 5,000 or long term capital gain up to Rs 1.25 lakh under section 112A, you can also use this form.

ITR-1 facility is not available for these people

It is very important to understand that not everyone can file ITR-1. If your sources of income are complex, like you earn from a business or profession, or you have earned Short Term Capital Gain (STCG) from the stock market, then you will not be able to use this form. Also, owners of more than one house or people who win money from lotteries and gambling will have to choose other forms. Selection of wrong form is the biggest reason for receiving notice.

Those filing returns for the first time should keep these things in mind

Giving important advice, Tax2Win co-founder and chartered accountant Abhishek Soni said that now only verified Aadhaar number will be valid for tax filing. If you are thinking of using Aadhaar Enrollment ID, be careful as the department will not accept it. Along with this, taxpayers should fill the information of all their active bank accounts and if there is any ongoing loan, then the data like bank name and account number should be filled accurately.

Matching of Form 26AS and AIS is mandatory

According to experts, before filing the return, definitely check your Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS). Your earnings and deducted TDS are recorded in this. If there is even a slight difference between the information given by you and the data available with the department (AIS/26AS), you may get a notice. In case of data mismatch, not only the refund gets delayed but you may also have to face the trouble of filing the revised return again.