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Income Tax Filing Deadline 31 Aug: Checklist for First-Time Filers
Income tax deadline 31 Aug 2026. First-time filers need Form 16, PAN, Aadhaar, e-verification. Late fee ₹1,000-10,000. Choose old or new regime.
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The Income Tax Department set the deadline for filing returns for the 2025-26 financial year at 31 August 2026. Taxpayers who miss that date can still file a delayed return through 31 December 2026. They will pay a fee of ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on the delay and their taxable income.
First-time filers need a few documents ready before they start. Form 16 from the employer, PAN card, Aadhaar card linked to PAN, investment proofs such as PPF or NPS deposits, home loan interest certificates, and insurance premium receipts. The department also requires e-verification within 30 days of filing. This can be done via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or an electronic verification code. Without it, the return may be marked invalid and any refund delayed.
Choosing the right ITR form depends on the taxpayer's income sources. The e-filing portal offers a "Help me decide" tool that lists eligibility conditions for each form. For salaried individuals with no business income, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the typical choice. Those with capital gains or foreign assets need ITR-2 or ITR-3.