Income Tax India 2026
Filing, Refund, Deductions — Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about income tax in India — from filing your ITR online before the July 31 deadline, tracking your refund, to maximising deductions under Section 80C, 80D, HRA and choosing between the old and new tax regime.
Every July, lakhs of salaried Indians log into the income tax portal for the first time that year, stare at ITR forms they've never seen before, and quietly panic — especially if their Form 16 has changed employers or they have freelance income on the side. Most don't realise that choosing between the old and new regime at filing time (not just at the start of the year) can make a difference of tens of thousands of rupees in tax paid. I built these guides specifically for people who don't have a CA on speed dial but still want to file correctly without stress.
— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026
📚Income Tax Guides
Step-by-step guide to filing ITR online at incometax.gov.in, choosing the right form, and meeting the July 31 deadline.
Track your ITR refund online via the income tax portal or NSDL. Know why refunds get delayed and how to resolve issues.
Full list of deductions under 80C (PPF, ELSS, LIC), 80D (health insurance), HRA, standard deduction and old vs new regime comparison.
📋Income Tax in India — Key Facts for 2026
Income tax in India is levied by the Central Government on the income of individuals, HUFs, companies and other entities. For individuals, the tax is administered under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 covers income earned between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.
The due date to file an income tax return (ITR) for salaried individuals and those not subject to tax audit is July 31, 2026. Filing after this date without a valid reason attracts a late fee of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
India offers two tax regimes: the Old Regime with higher rates but multiple deductions (80C, 80D, HRA, LTA), and the New Regime with lower slab rates but fewer deductions. From FY 2023-24, the New Regime is the default — you must explicitly opt for the Old Regime if you wish to claim deductions.
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with the Income Tax Department or any government body. Information is for guidance only. Always verify on the official portal incometax.gov.in or consult a qualified tax professional.