Tax Filing Now Live for AY 2025-26
The Income Tax Department has officially launched the Excel-based offline utilities for ITR-2 and ITR-3. With this move, tax filing for Assessment Year 2025-26 is now open for millions of Indian taxpayers.
These utilities are available for download from the official Income Tax e-filing portal. They offer a simplified offline experience to validate entries and generate a .json file for upload.
ITR-2 is meant for:
- Individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Those with income from salary or pension
- Owners of more than one property
- Individuals earning from capital gains
- Taxpayers with foreign assets or as directors of companies
Important: ITR-2 is not applicable for those earning from business or professional activities.
Who Should File ITR-3?
ITR-3 is tailored for:
- Individuals or HUFs with business or professional income
- Freelancers, sole proprietors, and consultants
- Partners in firms
This return type helps professionals report income and expenses from their work and claim deductions accordingly.
How Excel Utility Works
The Excel utility is a downloadable tool. You can:
- Fill your income, deductions, and tax details offline
- Validate your data within the sheet
- Generate a .json file
- Upload the file to the income tax portal to file your return
This tool is particularly useful for users who prefer working offline or are not comfortable with web forms.
Benefits of Using Excel-Based Filing
- Data can be saved locally and edited anytime
- No dependency on internet connection during form filling
- Built-in validation to reduce errors
- Auto-calculations for taxes and refunds
Taxpayers also have the option to use JSON file import/export features, which makes it easy to switch between online and offline modes.
Important Dates to Remember
For most individual taxpayers, the last date to file ITR without penalty is July 31, 2025. Missing this deadline could result in fines and interest.
Ensure you have key documents ready:
- Form 16
- Capital gains statements
- Bank statements
- Investment proofs
Government’s Push for Digital Compliance
The release of Excel utilities is part of the government’s continued push for e-governance and digital tax compliance. It helps simplify filing for both salaried individuals and professionals.
In FY 2024-25, over 8 crore returns were filed. The numbers are expected to rise further as tools become more user-friendly and accessible.
Pro Tip: File Early to Avoid Rush
Taxpayers are advised to file their returns early. Filing in advance allows time to correct errors and avoid last-minute stress. Refunds, if any, are also processed faster.
If you’re eligible for ITR-2 or ITR-3, now is the right time to get started.