Income Tax Return Filing Now Open for Assessment Year 2026-27 via ITR-1 and ITR-4

May 15, 2026, 12:06
IndiaFinance

Introduction

The Income Tax Department has now enabled the online filing system and Excel tools for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for the 2026-27 assessment year.

Main Body

These tools became available after the official forms were announced on March 30. The department provided Excel-based tools so that taxpayers can calculate their taxes offline and then upload the files to the portal. This measure is intended to prevent the website from slowing down as the official deadlines approach. Regarding eligibility, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for resident individuals with an annual income of up to ₹50 lakh. This form can be used for income from salaries, pensions, up to two house properties, and other sources like bank interest. Additionally, it allows for long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh, provided agricultural income does not exceed ₹5,000. In contrast, ITR-4 (Sugam) is designed for resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and certain firms with total incomes up to ₹50 lakh. This form is specifically for those using presumptive taxation schemes. While both forms allow capital gains up to ₹1.25 lakh, the deadlines differ: ITR-1 must be submitted by July 31, whereas non-audit ITR-4 filers have until August 31.

Conclusion

The e-filing portal is now open for eligible small and medium taxpayers to submit their returns for the 2025-26 financial year.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Leap': Mastering Contrast & Precision

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences like "This is for X. That is for Y" and start using Connectors of Contrast and Specific Verbs.

🔍 The Power of "In Contrast"

In the text, the author doesn't just start a new paragraph; they use:

"In contrast, ITR-4 (Sugam) is designed for..."

Why this is B2: Instead of using "but" (which is A2), "In contrast" signals to the reader that a formal comparison is happening. It creates a professional bridge between two different ideas.

Try this logic:

  • A2: I like tea, but she likes coffee.
  • B2: I prefer tea. In contrast, she prefers coffee.

🛠️ Replacing 'Generic' Verbs with 'Precise' Verbs

Notice how the text avoids simple words like "do" or "make." Look at these high-value substitutions:

A2 Word (Simple)B2 Word (Precise)Context from Text
Start/OpenEnable"...has now enabled the online filing system"
Is forIs designed for"...is designed for resident individuals"
Give/SendSubmit"...must be submitted by July 31"

The Strategy: When you write, ask yourself: "Is there a more professional verb for this action?" Using "submit" instead of "give" immediately changes how a listener perceives your fluency level.

💡 Quick Logic Note: "Provided" as a Condition

Found in the text: "...provided agricultural income does not exceed ₹5,000."

At A2, you use "if." At B2, you can use "provided (that)". It means the same thing, but it sounds more academic and precise. It sets a strict condition for a rule to be true.

Vocabulary Learning

eligible (adj.)
Qualified to participate or benefit.
Example:Only eligible students can apply for the scholarship.
resident (n.)
A person who lives in a particular place.
Example:The resident of the apartment building is responsible for the common area.
annual (adj.)
Occurring once a year.
Example:The annual report was released on time.
income (n.)
Money earned from work or investments.
Example:She increased her income by taking a part-time job.
pensions (n.)
Retirement funds paid to former employees.
Example:He received a generous pension after 30 years of service.
properties (n.)
Real estate assets owned by someone.
Example:She owns several properties in the city.
interest (n.)
Money charged for borrowing or earned on deposits.
Example:The bank offers low interest rates on loans.
presumptive (adj.)
Based on assumption rather than proof.
Example:Presumptive evidence was enough to convict the suspect.
non-audit (adj.)
Not requiring a formal audit.
Example:Small businesses can file non-audit returns.
portal (n.)
A website gateway for accessing services.
Example:The online portal allows users to submit forms.
offline (adj.)
Not connected to the internet.
Example:She downloaded the file to work offline.
upload (v.)
Transfer data to a remote server.
Example:Please upload the documents by Friday.
measure (n.)
An action taken to achieve a goal.
Example:The new measure will reduce traffic congestion.
prevent (v.)
Stop something from happening.
Example:The vaccine prevents the disease.
deadlines (n.)
Time limits for completing tasks.
Example:Missing deadlines can lead to penalties.
official (adj.)
Authorized or recognized by an authority.
Example:The official announcement was made at the press conference.
announced (v.)
Declared publicly.
Example:The company announced a new product line.
online (adj.)
Connected to the internet.
Example:Online shopping is convenient.
tools (n.)
Instruments used to perform tasks.
Example:The workshop had many tools for carpentry.
Excel-based (adj.)
Using Microsoft Excel software.
Example:The report was created with Excel-based templates.
taxpayers (n.)
People who pay taxes.
Example:Taxpayers contribute to public services.
financial (adj.)
Relating to money or finance.
Example:The financial plan was approved.
small (adj.)
Of limited size or quantity.
Example:The small company grew rapidly.
medium (adj.)
Of moderate size or quantity.
Example:Medium-sized enterprises are vital to the economy.