Taxpayers can breathe easy for now. Income tax returns for the assessment year 2026–27 will continue to be filed using the existing ITR forms under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
This is despite the new Income Tax law being scheduled to come into force from April 1, 2026.
According to sources in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), there will be no immediate changes in return forms or filing rules for the upcoming assessment year.
New Income Tax Law Will Be Rolled Out Gradually
Although the new law will officially take effect in April 2026, its implementation will happen in phases.
Officials have clarified that the goal is to bring more people into the tax filing system without increasing compliance burden.
This means taxpayers will not be forced to adapt to new rules or formats all at once.
At present, around 9 crore income tax returns are filed each year.
However, estimates suggest nearly 12 crore individuals pay taxes in some form, showing a gap between tax payment and return filing.
Bigger Changes Expected From 2027
Significant changes under the new Income Tax framework are expected only from 2027 onwards.
According to officials, the new system of data sharing and third-party reporting will become active in later years.
This includes financial institutions, crypto exchanges, and other intermediaries sharing detailed transaction data with the tax department.
These measures aim to improve transparency and widen the tax base over time.
What This Means for Taxpayers Right Now
For AY 2026–27, taxpayers can file returns as usual, using the same forms and procedures they are already familiar with.
The more impactful changes under the new Income Tax law will be introduced slowly over the next few years, giving taxpayers enough time to adjust.
For now, there’s no need to worry—ITR filing remains business as usual.
