I-T Department Rolls Out Pre‑Filled Data Option For ITR‑2 Online Filing

The online ITR-2 utility offers enhanced user convenience, allowing taxpayers to file returns from any location with internet access. This method is designed to save time, reduce errors, & guide users

ITR-2 applies to individuals and HUFs who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and do not earn income from business or profession

Source : Freepik

The Income Tax Department has announced the activation of online filing for Income Tax Return (ITR) Form 2, now equipped with pre-filled data, on its official e-filing portal. This update, made available from Friday, allows individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with diverse income sources—including capital gains, multiple residential properties, salary, pension, and income from cryptocurrency or other non-business avenues—to file their returns seamlessly online.

In a public notification shared via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the Department stated: "Kind Attention Taxpayers! Income Tax Return Form of ITR-2 is now enabled for filing through online mode with pre-filled data at the e-filing portal."

Enhanced Convenience With Online Utility

The online ITR-2 utility offers enhanced user convenience, allowing taxpayers to file returns from any location with internet access. This method is designed to save time, reduce errors, and guide users step-by-step, with certain fields automatically populated to simplify the process.

While Excel-based offline utilities are still available, users opting for that route must generate and upload a JSON file containing the necessary data. This additional step is bypassed in the online version, making it a preferred choice for many filers.

Who Should Use ITR-2?

ITR-2 applies to individuals and HUFs who are not eligible to file ITR-1 and do not earn income from business or profession. It is specifically structured for those with more complex financial profiles, including capital gains and income from multiple sources or high-value assets.

Other Return Forms And Filing Updates

Earlier this month, on July 11, the Department released Excel utilities for both ITR-2 and ITR-3 for the Assessment Year 2025–26. These followed the rollout of utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4. Each return form is tailored for different taxpayer categories:

ITR-1: Resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, or other sources.

ITR-3: For those engaged in business or professional income requiring detailed accounting.

ITR-4: For resident individuals, HUFs, or firms (excluding LLPs) with business income up to ₹50 lakh under presumptive taxation.

ITR-5: Designed for LLPs, firms, AOPs, and similar entities.

In addition, the Department has also enabled online filing of tax audit reports using forms 3CA-3CD and 3CB-3CD on the portal.

Deadline Extended For AY 2025-26

In a relief for taxpayers, the due date for filing income tax returns for the current assessment year has been extended to September 15, 2025, from the earlier deadline of July 31, 2025. This gives taxpayers additional time to prepare and submit accurate returns without penalty.