ITR Filing AY 2026–27: Complete Guide for Salaried Employees

Filing your Income Tax Return is not only a legal responsibility, but also an important financial record for every salaried employee. For AY 2026–27, salaried employees need to file their ITR for income earned during FY 2025–26.

A properly filed ITR helps you claim refunds, avoid notices, maintain financial records, and use your income proof for loans, visas, credit cards and other financial purposes.

Who Should File ITR?

A salaried employee should file Income Tax Return if:

• Total income exceeds the basic exemption limit

• TDS has been deducted and refund is to be claimed

• Income is earned from salary, interest, rent, capital gains or other sources

• Foreign income or foreign assets are held

• Loan, visa, tender or financial proof is required

Even if your tax is already deducted by your employer, filing ITR is still important because TDS deduction and ITR filing are two different things.

Documents Required for ITR Filing

Before filing your ITR, keep these documents ready:

• Form 16 from employer

• PAN and Aadhaar

• Salary slips

• Bank statement

• Form 26AS

• AIS and TIS

• Interest income details

• Home loan certificate, if any

• Rent receipts for HRA claim

• Investment proofs under deductions, if applicable

• Capital gain statement, if you have shares or mutual funds

Which ITR Form Is Used by Salaried Employees?

Most salaried employees file ITR-1, also called Sahaj, if they have salary income, one house property, interest income and total income within the prescribed limit.

However, if you have capital gains, share trading income, foreign income, more than one house property, or business income, then another ITR form may be applicable. Choosing the wrong ITR form can create problems later.

Old Tax Regime vs New Tax Regime

For AY 2026–27, salaried employees should compare both Old Tax Regime and New Tax Regime before filing ITR.

The old regime allows deductions like 80C, 80D, HRA and home loan interest. The new regime offers lower slab rates but limited deductions. The best option depends on your salary, investments, deductions and tax planning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many salaried employees make small mistakes that may lead to refund delay or income tax notice. Avoid these errors:

• Not matching income with AIS and Form 26AS

• Forgetting interest income from savings account or FD

• Choosing the wrong tax regime

• Claiming wrong deductions

• Filing the wrong ITR form

• Not reporting capital gains from shares or mutual funds

Why Professional ITR Filing Is Better

Online filing may look simple, but income tax return filing requires proper checking of salary, TDS, AIS, deductions, refund and tax regime. A professional review helps you file accurately and reduces the chances of future notices.

Need Help with ITR Filing?

If you are a salaried employee and want safe, accurate and professional ITR filing for AY 2026–27, you can contact:

CA Deepak Patel, Deepak Patel & Co., Chartered Accountants Call : 8770888862

We provide professional assistance for Income Tax Return filing, tax planning, refund claims, AIS/Form 26AS mismatch, capital gains, salary income calculation and income tax notice reply.

File your ITR correctly today and stay stress-free tomorrow.