Who Must File ITR in FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
Income thresholds, special cases, and why filing ITR helps even when it's not mandatory.
For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), filing an Income Tax Return is mandatory for most earners — and beneficial for almost everyone else. Here is a clean checklist.
Mandatory ITR filing thresholds
You must file ITR if your gross total income (before deductions) exceeds:
- ₹3,00,000 — individuals below 60 (New Regime basic exemption)
- ₹3,00,000 — senior citizens (60–80)
- ₹5,00,000 — super senior citizens (80+)
- ₹2,50,000 — anyone opting Old Regime
You must file regardless of income if you
- Deposited ₹1 Cr+ in current accounts or ₹50L+ in savings in the year
- Spent ₹2L+ on foreign travel
- Paid ₹1L+ in electricity bills
- Have foreign assets or income
- Had TDS/TCS of ₹25,000+ (₹50,000+ for seniors)
- Sales/turnover above ₹60L (business) or ₹10L (profession)
Why file even when not mandatory
- Refund of TDS deducted on FDs, salary or freelance income
- Visa & loan applications require 2–3 years of ITRs
- Carry-forward losses (capital gains, F&O) only allowed if filed by due date
- Higher credit limits and clean compliance record
Not sure of your liability? Use our income tax calculator — it compares Old vs New regime in seconds.
Need help filing?
Tax Easy India files your ITR & GST returns starting at ₹299 — AI-prepared, expert-reviewed.