The Income Tax Department of India has notified the Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for the assessment year 2026-27, with filing expected to commence this month. Tax practitioners indicate that the filing process typically begins in April, but last year saw delays due to significant changes in tax provisions. This year, however, the timely release of forms suggests a smoother process. Salaried individuals will need to wait for their Form 16 before proceeding with their filings. The new Income Tax Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 1, will not affect the current ITR filings, which will still be governed by the Income-tax Act of 1961, as amended by the Finance Act of 2026. The filing deadline for all taxpayers is set for July 31, 2026. The notified forms range from ITR-1 to ITR-7, with ITR-1 now allowing taxpayers to report income from up to two house properties, a change aimed at simplifying the filing process for individuals with multiple properties. Other forms cater to various taxpayer categories, including businesses and trusts, ensuring compliance across diverse income sources.