Income Tax Return of AY 2026-27 begins with release of excel utilities for ITR-1, ITR-4: here's who can file

There is an important update for those who file income tax returns annually. The Income Tax Department has officially begun the process of filing income tax returns for the financial year 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). Sharing this information on social media handles, the department stated that the excel utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms has been activated on the e-filing portal. This move by the Income Tax Department aims to save taxpayers from a last-minute rush. By taking action now, taxpayers can file their returns before the July 31, 2026, deadline. According to information from the Income Tax Department, eligible taxpayers can download the relevant forms from the official portal. The department stated that both excel utility and online filing options are available for AY 2026-27.