The Income Tax Department has officially released the Excel-based utilities for ITR-2 and ITR-3 for AY 2025–26 (FY 2024–25), enabling individuals and HUFs with capital gains, business income, crypto transactions, or foreign assets to begin filing their returns through the offline mode.
Revised Due Date to File ITR for FY 2024–25 (Non-Audit Cases):
September 15, 2025
Until now, only ITR-1 and ITR-4 were available for filing. With the release of ITR-2 and ITR-3, a broader segment of taxpayers can now prepare and file their ITRs, especially those with complex incomes and disclosures.
Filing Mode and Software Update Timeline
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The Excel utilities for ITR-2 and ITR-3 are now live and functional.
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Online ITR filing for these forms is not yet enabled on the portal.
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Professional software vendors are expected to update their platforms to support these forms within 3–7 days.
Download ITR-2 and ITR-3 Utilities (Excel Format)
You can download the official utilities directly from the Income Tax Department’s portal:
To file using Excel Utility:
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Download and extract the ZIP file
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Fill all required schedules in the Excel file
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Generate JSON and upload on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal
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Verify your return within 30 days
Who Should File ITR-2?
ITR-2 is applicable for individuals or HUFs who:
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Are not eligible to file ITR-1 (Sahaj)
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Have capital gains, foreign assets, multiple properties, or clubbed income
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Do not have income from business or profession
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May have crypto income, foreign dividend, unlisted shares, or ESOPs from foreign employers
Who Should File ITR-3?
ITR-3 is for individuals or HUFs who:
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Have income from business or profession
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Earn from partnership firms, freelancing, consulting, or proprietorships
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Have capital gains, foreign assets, or crypto assets
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Hold directorships in Indian or foreign companies
Key Changes in ITR-2 and ITR-3 for AY 2025–26
| Area of Change | ITR-2 | ITR-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Gains Reporting | Gains split before/after 23.07.2024 | Same |
| Buyback Loss Treatment | Allowed post 01.10.2024 if dividend income is shown | Same |
| Schedule AL (Assets & Liabilities) | Mandatory if total income exceeds ₹1 crore | Same |
| TDS Reporting | Mandatory to quote section codes in Schedule-TDS | Same |
| Deductions (80C, 10(13A), etc.) | Enhanced reporting fields | Enhanced reporting fields |
| Reference to Sec 44BBC (Cruise Business) | — | Added |
Filing Advice and Caution
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If using the Excel utility, you can file now
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If relying on software platforms, wait 3–7 days for updates
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Ensure all data is cross-verified from Form 26AS, AIS, TIS before submission
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Do not forget to verify the ITR within 30 days after uploading
Summary for Taxpayers
The launch of ITR-2 and ITR-3 utilities marks a key milestone in the return filing calendar for FY 2024–25. While the portal-based filing is awaited, early filers, professionals, and taxpayers expecting refunds can proceed through the Excel route. Taxpayers are advised to review the updated forms closely, especially in view of changes introduced by the Finance Act, 2024.
