It’s time to file Income Tax Returns (ITR), but this time there is some delay in the notification of the forms and their utilities. What is the reason for this and what should taxpayers do during this delay? To know the answers to these questions, we had a special conversation with Akhil Chandna, Partner and Global People Solutions Leader, Grant Thornton India.
In this conversation, he explained why the forms are getting delayed, what possible changes might be taking place in the backend technology and how it can affect taxpayers. Also, he explained whether the deadline of July 31 is likely to be extended if the forms are late. Above all, he also gave some easy suggestions on how taxpayers can complete their preparations during this wait, so that they can file their returns without any hassle as soon as the forms arrive.
Also read: Tax filing gets easier: New Form 16 format may change how you file ITR, claim refund
Q. Why is there a delay in notifying ITR forms and releasing utilities this year?
Ans: The delay in notifying the ITR forms and releasing their utilities for AY 2025-26, despite no major structural amendments in the Finance Act 2024, could be due to internal operational or technological upgrades at the Income Tax Department’s end.
The authorities may be working on aligning the forms with the latest backend frameworks, such as integration with AIS, TIS, and other compliance tools to ensure accuracy in pre-filled data.
Also read: ITR Filing 2025: Your Complete Income Tax Return Guide – Deadlines, Refunds and More
Q. Is this delay in notifying forms on account of possible changes or updates in the tax system or back-end technology integration?
Ans: In recent years, the Income Tax Department has made significant strides towards digitization and automation, particularly through the rollout of AIS and the enhancement of the compliance portal. This has brought a shift in how taxpayer data is processed and pre-filled into the ITR forms.
The current delay could be linked to the ongoing efforts to ensure accurate data mapping and seamless integration across platforms before the return utilities are released.
Since even minor mismatches in financial data can lead to taxpayer grievances, the department may be conducting thorough validation and testing to ensure that AIS,
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