Personal income-tax returns

Which year are you filing for?

The second period is still the current income year in September 2026. Its annual return follows after the year ends. Filing an earlier-period return now does not move that income into the new Act. Income Tax Department transition guidance.

When you should have the filing position reviewed

A filing obligation can arise from the statutory income and other reporting tests. Tax deducted by an employer does not by itself decide whether a return is required. A refund claim, eligible loss carry-forward, business income, foreign assets or a change in residence may also require attention. Income Tax Department return guidance.

We assess the obligation separately from the amount payable. A nil balance after withholding does not necessarily mean no return is needed. If no filing obligation or useful voluntary filing purpose remains after review, we explain that conclusion.

The return form follows the full facts. For the new Rules, individual forms include ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4, each subject to its own eligibility conditions. Business income, residence and foreign holdings can change the route. Income-tax Rules, 2026, rule 164.

What the income review covers

We list each employer, bank, property, broker, business activity and foreign connection, then compare that list with the supporting statements and reported tax data. A salary certificate can omit income from another employer or investments. A bank transfer can be a loan, capital movement or reimbursement rather than income; the underlying record determines the treatment.

For investments, we reconcile acquisitions and disposals, dividends and tax withheld. Property work considers ownership, rent, borrowing and any sale. Jointly held assets require the owner’s actual share to be established instead of assuming that all receipts belong to the holder of the collection account.

Available tax choices and deductions are compared using the evidence supplied. We identify conditions, elections or additional forms relevant to the selected treatment. Any unsupported claim remains an open item before approval.

Records we need

Start with the return year, income sources and any change in employment, residence or asset ownership. For the detailed work, provide salary or business records, bank-interest information, investment statements, property documents, tax credits and payment receipts. Foreign income or assets require their own supporting schedule.

For AY 2026–27 and earlier periods, the existing tax-information records remain relevant. For Tax Year 2026–27, the Department identifies Form 168 as the evolved Annual Information Statement. We reconcile the records for the chosen period rather than mixing both systems. Income Tax Department information-statement guidance.

Your return pack and approval

You receive the computation, income-source reconciliation, material workings and draft return. A single approval list shows income included, credits claimed, balance payable or refundable and unresolved matters. We explain any exclusion that materially affects the result.

We handle preparation, filing, verification coordination, acknowledgement retention and review of the processing result. You confirm the facts, authorise tax payments and complete the required authentication. We follow up on processing queries or mismatches. If an earlier-year correction or substantive dispute needs another proceeding, we explain the route and handle it after you approve that next step.

Preparation time depends on the number of income sources, record completeness and reconciliations requiring another payer or institution. We set the filing timetable for your actual category and year and allow time for your review before the deadline.

Current-year planning dates

For Tax Year 2026–27, the enacted ordinary return dates are 31-07-2027 for the residual individual category, 31-08-2027 for non-audit business or professional cases, 31-10-2027 for audited cases and 30-11-2027 for the transfer-pricing-report category. Partners and specified spouses follow the categories set out in the statutory table, so their date cannot be selected from personal income alone. These dates remain subject to an applicable extension. Finance Act, 2026, amendment to section 263.

The ordinary belated-return limit for that tax year is 31-12-2027, while a revised return can be furnished up to 31-03-2028, subject in each case to earlier completion of assessment. A revision after 31-12-2027 carries the prescribed fee. Eligibility for an updated return must be considered separately. Sections 263 and 428 as amended. For AY 2026–27 or another earlier year, we use that period’s filing and correction calendar.

Questions before you send the records

My employer deducted all the tax. Is that enough? We still check the filing obligation and total income. Other income or a change of employer can alter the annual result.

The information statement is wrong. Should I copy it anyway? No. Supply the underlying statement or payment evidence. We identify whether the difference is duplication, timing, incorrect reporting or an omitted item, then record the supported treatment and any correction needed.

Can I send only a broker’s annual tax report? It helps, but acquisition history, transfers between accounts and corporate actions may need more evidence. We request the missing pieces after reviewing it.

I missed an earlier return. Can it be filed now? The available route depends on the year, dates, income and whether proceedings exist. Send the year and any notice first so the options can be assessed.

Related services

• Capital gains

• Advance tax

• NRI taxation and treaty relief

• Foreign-asset disclosure

Email TheTaxCo, message us on WhatsApp or book a call. Share the return year, income sources and any property sale, foreign holding or residence change. We will send the document list relevant to your file.