Tax season for FY 2024-25 is underway, and while the Income Tax Department has extended the filing deadline to September 15, 2025 (from July 31, 2025), and opened utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4, a key question remains for many: Why are ITR-2 and ITR-3 forms still unavailable?
Despite the extended deadline, taxpayers who need to file ITR-2 or ITR-3 cannot yet begin the process, as the necessary online and offline utilities have not been released on the incometax.gov.in portal. This delay is causing concern, especially since many employees have already received their Form-16.
Why the Hold-Up for ITR-2 and ITR-3?
Experts point to the complex nature of these particular returns and significant updates introduced this year as the primary reasons for the delay.
- Intricate Financial Profiles: According to Sonu Iyer, Partner and National Leader – People Advisory Services (Tax) at EY India, ITR-2 and ITR-3 are designed for individuals with more detailed financial situations. This includes those with:
- Income from multiple properties
- Capital gains
- Foreign income or assets
- Business/professional earnings (for ITR-3)
- Directorships
- Unlisted shares
- Total income exceeding Rs 50 lakh
- Carrying forward past losses.As Iyer noted to The Times of India, “These forms require far more detailed disclosures than ITR-1 or ITR-4.”
- Technical Changes Post-Finance Act 2024: The delay is largely due to the substantial technical modifications required in the filing utilities following the updates in the Finance Act 2024. For instance, new reporting requirements include:
- Capital gains earned before and after July 23, 2024.
- Detailed breakdowns of deductions.
- More specific TDS section codes.
Who Files ITR-2 and ITR-3?
- ITR-2 Form: This form is for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) whose total income for the Year 2025–26 comes from sources such as salary/pension, house property, or other income. It also applies to company directors, those who have invested in unlisted shares, Resident Not Ordinarily Residents (RNORs), Non-Residents, and individuals with capital gains, foreign income, or agricultural income exceeding Rs 5,000.
- ITR-3 Form: This form is for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) earning income from a business, especially if they are not using the presumptive income scheme and are required to maintain books of accounts or have them audited. It also applies to those who have invested in unlisted equity shares during the financial year.
Taxpayers affected by this delay are advised to gather all necessary documents in preparation for when these crucial forms finally become available.