ITR-2 Online Filing AY 2025-26: Step-by-Step Guide, Eligibility, And What’s New

The Income Tax Department has officially enabled online filing for ITR-2 for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) starting July 18, 2025. Taxpayers can now log into the e-filing portal to fill and submit their ITR-2 forms directly online, with several sections pre-filled to simplify the process.

Who Should Use ITR-2?

ITR-2 applies to individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not have income from business or profession, but earn income from the following sources:

• Salary or pension
• More than one house property
• Capital gains (including from shares, mutual funds, or real estate)
• Foreign income or assets
• Other sources such as lottery winnings
• Total income above a certain threshold

Key Updates for FY 2024-25

Capital Gains Declaration: Taxpayers must report gains separately for transactions conducted before and after July 23, 2024, in line with new tax rate changes.

Buyback Losses: Losses incurred on share buybacks can only be claimed if the related dividend income has been reported.

Asset & Liability Disclosure Threshold Raised: Disclosure is now required only if total income exceeds ₹1 crore, up from the previous ₹50 lakh limit.

Detailed Deduction Fields: Expanded sections to capture deductions under provisions like Section 80C and Section 10(13A) (House Rent Allowance).

Improved TDS Reporting: New columns have been added to indicate the specific section codes under which TDS has been deducted.

Pre-filled Information: Much of the ITR-2 form is now auto-populated. However, users are advised to carefully verify the entries and fill in any missing data.

Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR-2 Online

• Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your PAN and password.
• Go to: e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.
• Select "Assessment Year 2025-26" (corresponding to FY 2024-25).
• Choose "Online" as the filing method and continue.
• Pick "ITR-2" from the list of forms.

Review and edit pre-filled data. Upload necessary documents such as:

• Salary slips, Form 16/16A
• Capital gains statements
• Rent receipts, interest income certificates
• Proofs of tax-saving investments and deductions
• Bank account details
• Validate, preview, and submit your return.
• Complete the process by e-verifying your return.

Important Dates to Remember

• ITR-2 Online Utility Released: July 18, 2025
• Revised Due Date for Filing: September 15, 2025 (Extended from original July 31 deadline)

Documents Required for Filing

• PAN and Aadhaar (must be linked)
• Form 16 (for salaried employees)
• Form 16A (for non-salary TDS)
• Form 26AS (tax credit statement)
• Bank statements
• Capital gains reports (shares, mutual funds, property)
• Rent and interest certificates
• Receipts for deductions (insurance premiums, donations, etc.)

Not Sure Which ITR Form Applies to You?

The portal includes a "Help me decide which ITR Form to file" feature to assist users in choosing the correct form based on their income profile.

ITR-2 for FY 2024-25 is now open for online filing with enhanced compliance requirements, new reporting features, and pre-filled information to streamline your tax return. Ensure your ITR is submitted by September 15, 2025, to avoid penalties.