ITR Filing Deadline Tomorrow: Income Tax Department Says Don't Get 'Hit Wicket':

The Income Tax Department has used a cricket analogy to remind taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) in time for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27.

Missing the ITR deadline is like getting ‘Hit Wicket’ in cricket, an entirely avoidable dismissal, the department said in a social media post. Taxpayers who are eligible were advised to see early ITR filing as a ‘Free Hit’ by filing it before the deadline.

To avoid penalties for late filing, interest and other possible inconveniences, the department has advised taxpayers to reconcile their financial details and file ITR-1 and ITR-2 for AY 2026-27 by July 31, 2026.

This is consistent with the department’s ongoing awareness campaign to promote early tax compliance and help taxpayers complete the filing process without the last-minute headaches.

Missing the ITR deadline is like getting Hit Wicket - completely avoidable.
Avoid late fees and interest, turn your ITR filing into a Free Hit by filing early.
Reconcile & file your ITR 1 & 2 for AY 2026-27 before 31st July 2026!
🔗 https://t.co/GYvO3mStKf#ITR #TaxFiling… pic.twitter.com/kLb0U15mrY

— July 29, 2026

Who Can File ITR-1 (Sahaj)?

ITR-1 (Sahaj) is for resident individuals having total income up to Rs 50 lakh in FY 2025-26.

If your income is from, you can file ITR-1:

• Salary or Pensions

• One house property (assuming there are no losses carried forward)

• Other sources such as bank interest

• Income from agriculture up to Rs 5,000

You cannot file ITR-1 if you have:

• Profits and gains of business or profession

• Own foreign assets or derive foreign income

• Being a company director

• Equity Shares held unlisted

Who should file ITR 2?

ITR-2 is to be used by individuals and HUFs who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and do not have income from business or profession.

You need to file ITR-2 if you:

• have aggregate income above Rs. 50 lakh

• Own more than one house property

• Realize capital gains on the sale of shares, mutual funds or property

• Have foreign income or own assets abroad

• Any other kind of income which would make you ineligible for ITR-1

ITR-2 is generally used by investors and salaried individuals having more complex sources of income but not having income from business or profession.

Due date AY 2026-27

ITR-2 is to be used by individuals and HUFs who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and do not have income from business or profession.

You need to file ITR-2 if you:

• have aggregate income above Rs. 50 lakh

• Own more than one house property

July 31, 2026 is the Last date to file ITR-1 and ITR-2 for FY 2026-27. Till now, the government has not announced any extension.

Before you file your return, compare the details given in Form 16, Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS). This avoids errors, delays and notices because of mismatched information.