A comprehensive Checklist for Preparation of Income Tax Return (ITR) Forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2025-26 has been released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The guide has been published by the Direct Taxes Committee of ICAI to support taxpayers and professionals in precise return filing, align with the updated amendments in tax laws and reporting needs.
The checklist, authored under the guidance of CA. Piyush S Chhajed, Chairman of the Direct Taxes Committee, provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and filing ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam). It covers:
- Eligibility and Applicability of ITR-1 and ITR-4
- Modes of Filing – online, offline utility, and paper filing (for super senior citizens)
- Pre-requisites such as PAN-Aadhaar linkage, pre-validation of bank accounts, and the e-verification process
- Detailed Section-wise Guidance, including income reporting, deductions, tax computation, and verification requirements
- New Provisions for AY 2025-26, including default applicability of the new tax regime and updated reporting under section 139(1).
Related: ITR Return Filing Due Dates For fiscal year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
To minimize errors, a checklist has been created to ensure adherence to the CBDT’s new ITR forms and support chartered accountants in advising taxpayers, ICAI stresses. The institute outlines the need for such structured resources from the revisions to the tax laws and other reporting needs.
The last date to file ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2025-26 has been extended to September 15, 2025, giving taxpayers more time to adhere.
The Devotion of the ICAI has been shown in this initiative to capacity building, taxpayer understanding, and improving ease of compliance in the evolving direct tax landscape of India.
You can get the official checklist from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to help you prepare your Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for the financial year 2025-26. Click here to download the PDF for ITR 1 and ITR 4.
