ITR Filing AY 2026-27: Who Must File an Income Tax Return Even If Their Income Is Below the Taxable Limit?

As the July 31, 2026, deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 approaches, many taxpayers are completing their filings to avoid late fees and other compliance requirements. While filing an ITR is generally linked to taxable income, certain individuals are required to file a return even if their income does not attract tax. 

The requirement applies when taxpayers meet specified financial or reporting conditions prescribed under the Income-tax Act, irrespective of whether their income falls below the basic exemption limit. 

What Is the Basic Exemption Limit? 

The basic exemption limit differs under the old and new tax regimes. 

Under the old tax regime, the exemption limits are: 

Under the new tax regime, the basic exemption limit is ₹4 lakh for taxpayers across all age groups. 

Read More: ITR Filing AY 2026-27: What Happens If You Miss the July 31, 2026, Deadline?

Who Must File an ITR Even If Income Is Not Taxable? 

Apart from taxpayers whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit, the following individuals are also required to file an Income Tax Return: 

Meeting any of these conditions may make ITR filing mandatory even if the taxpayer's income is below the taxable threshold. 

Who Needs to File ITR by July 31, 2026? 

The July 31, 2026, deadline applies to resident individuals whose accounts are not required to be audited. This generally includes salaried employees, pensioners, and other individuals filing ITR-1 or ITR-2. 

Taxpayers with business or professional income covered under ITR-3 or those opting for the presumptive taxation scheme under ITR-4 (Sugam) have later due dates, depending on their filing category. 

How Can You File Your ITR? 

Taxpayers can file their returns online through the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal using their PAN as the user ID and their password. 

Several fintech platforms also offer paid ITR filing services with features such as expert assistance, tax-saving guidance, and pre-filled return details. 

Conclusion 

Filing an Income Tax Return is not determined solely by taxable income. Certain high-value financial transactions and foreign asset disclosures can make ITR filing mandatory even when income is below the exemption limit. Taxpayers should review these conditions carefully and complete their filing within the applicable due date. 

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