ITR Filing Deadline July 31, 2026: What Salaried Workers Must Know

Salaried taxpayers in India have until July 31, 2026 to file their income tax returns for FY 2025-26. The Income Tax Department has released a checklist of seven key steps to ensure accurate filing. Form 16, issued by employers, is the starting point. Verifying tax deducted, reconciling salary details, and selecting the correct tax regime are critical to avoid refund delays and tax notices.

Form 16 Part A and Part B: What each section covers

Form 16 is divided into two parts. Part A shows tax deducted and deposited by your employer on your behalf, including your PAN, employer’s TAN, employment period, and quarterly TDS summary. Part B contains detailed salary and tax computation, capturing gross salary, eligible exemptions, deductions, and taxable income on which tax has been computed.

According to Siddharth Deb, Tax Partner at EY India, taxpayers should verify whether TDS in Part A matches Form 26AS and AIS. Any material discrepancy must be reviewed before filing. Part B helps reconcile salary figures with payslips and supporting records.

Seven golden rules from the Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department advises taxpayers to follow these steps before filing. First, choose the correct tax regime (old or new) and select the right ITR form for your income type. Second, download Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS from the income tax portal to verify TDS, TCS, and taxes already paid.

Third, keep all financial documents ready: Form 16, bank statements, interest certificates, and investment proofs. Fourth, verify pre-filled information carefully, including PAN, address, and bank account details. Even small errors can cause processing delays. Fifth, match income details with supporting records before submission.

Why early filing matters

Filing well before the July 31 deadline helps avoid unnecessary delays and last-minute rush, according to the Income Tax Department. Processing backlogs near the deadline can result in refund delays, tax notices, or subsequent revisions. The department urges taxpayers to prepare in advance and complete filing at least a few days before the due date.

What happens if you file late

Filing after July 31, 2026 is considered a belated return and attracts penalties. Under the Income Tax Act, 2025, Section 263 covers original returns, belated returns, revised returns, and updated returns. Reviewing both Form 16 sections together with Form 26AS and AIS can help ensure accurate reporting and reduce the likelihood of notices and revisions.

Final Thoughts

Salaried workers have 21 days to file ITR for FY 2025-26. Verify Form 16, reconcile income details, and file early to avoid penalties and delays. The Income Tax Department’s checklist makes compliance straightforward if followed step by step.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.