Frequently asked questions
Q: I filed my ITR but forgot to e-verify it. What happens now?
A: Your return is treated as though it was never filed at all, not just pending, once the 30-day e-verification window passes without action. If this happens, check whether you're still within your original or belated filing window to submit and verify again — if not, you may need to explore the updated return (ITR-U) route instead, which comes with its own limitations.
Q: Can I switch from the new tax regime to the old regime after filing?
A: For salaried individuals, the regime choice can typically be changed each year at the time of filing itself, without a separate form. For business or professional filers wanting the old regime, Form 10-IEA must be filed before the due date — missing it can lock you into the new regime for that year with no way to switch back.
Q: What's the actual difference between Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS?
A: Form 26AS is the traditional consolidated tax credit statement. AIS (Annual Information Statement) is a broader, newer record covering many more transaction types beyond just tax credits. TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary) is a simplified, summarized view derived from AIS. All three should be checked, not just one, since they can each surface different discrepancies.
Q: Do I still need to report income that's fully tax-exempt?
A: In many cases, yes — some categories of exempt income still require disclosure in the return even though no tax is due on them. Skipping the disclosure isn't the same as it being genuinely outside reporting requirements, and omitting it can itself become a flagged inconsistency.
Q: What happens if I miss even the belated return deadline?
A: An updated return (ITR-U) remains available up to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year, though it comes with its own conditions and, in most cases, an additional payment requirement beyond the original tax due. It's a real option, but a more expensive and limited one than filing on time.
Q: Is the July 31 deadline the same for everyone this year?
A: No — this is new for AY 2026-27. July 31 applies to ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-5 filers. Business and professional taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 without an audit requirement now have until August 31, a permanent structural change under the Finance Act 2026, not a one-time extension.
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