Income Tax Department Releases ITR-1 and ITR-4 Forms for Assessment Year 2025–26

The Income Tax Department has released the ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms for the assessment year 2025–26. These forms will allow taxpayers to file their income tax returns for the financial year 2024–25. The department published the forms early to give taxpayers enough time to prepare and file their returns smoothly.

ITR-1 and ITR-4 are two of the most commonly used income tax return forms in India. ITR-1, also known as Sahaj, is for individuals who earn income from salary, one house property, or other sources like interest. This form is meant for people whose total income does not exceed ₹50 lakh during the financial year.

ITR-4, also called Sugam, is for individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and firms (other than LLPs) who earn income from business or profession under the presumptive income scheme. This scheme allows small taxpayers to declare income at a fixed rate without maintaining detailed accounts.

The Income Tax Department has asked eligible taxpayers to download the forms from its official website or use online platforms to file their returns. It has also advised taxpayers to check the instructions carefully before filling out the forms. Accurate filing will help avoid penalties or delays in processing refunds.

Officials said the department released the forms early to encourage timely filing and reduce last-minute pressure on taxpayers. They also said that this move would help improve transparency and efficiency in the tax system.

Tax experts have welcomed the early release of the forms. They said it gives both individuals and tax professionals more time to collect documents, calculate income, and complete the filing process. “This step supports better planning and makes tax filing easier for everyone,” said a senior tax consultant.

The Income Tax Department will release other ITR forms in the coming weeks for different types of taxpayers. For now, individuals and small businesses who use ITR-1 and ITR-4 can begin their return preparation ahead of the deadline.