ITR Filing FY 2024-25: ITR-6 Excel Utility for AY 2025-26 Released by Income Tax Department — Here’s What Taxpayers Should Know

The Income Tax Department has officially released the Excel utility for ITR-6 for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26.

• ITR-6 Excel Utility AY 2025-26

This important update allows eligible companies to file their income tax returns for Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, using the latest, streamlined offline tool.

With compliance dates, new features, and revised reporting criteria, it’s crucial for corporate taxpayers to understand everything about the ITR-6 Excel utility, who should use it, and how to file effectively.

Who Should File ITR-6?

ITR-6 is applicable to companies registered under the Companies Act but not claiming exemption under Section 11 (religious or charitable purposes).

All these entities must file their returns using ITR-6 for AY 2025-26, unless specifically exempted.

Key Highlights of the ITR-6 Excel Utility Release

• Launch Date: August 2025, as confirmed on the Income Tax portal.

• Latest Features: Incorporates updated disclosures, mandatory asset and LTCG reporting requirements, and ensures compatibility for e-filing through the portal.

• Offline Benefits: Companies preferring offline returns can download the Excel utility, fill the data, create a JSON file, and upload to the portal for submission.

• Extended Deadlines: This year, the government extended the deadline for entities not requiring audits to September 15, 2025, from the usual July 31, providing additional filing time.

What’s New in ITR-6 AY 2025-26?

Some significant changes this year include:

• Enhanced asset threshold disclosure.

• Updated LTCG (Long Term Capital Gains) relief forms.

• Improvements in audit trail requirements.

• User-friendly features, helping companies import pre-filled data to minimize manual entries.

• Additional fields for foreign asset and income transparency.

Companies should review all sections, particularly asset and income disclosures, as the rules get stricter with every passing year.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the ITR-6 Excel Utility

1. Download the Utility:
Visit the official Income Tax portal, fetch the ITR-6 Excel utility for AY 2025-26, ensuring your Excel supports macros.

2. Prepare Data:
Gather the company’s financial information, including income, deduction details, asset data, and audit reports.

3. Fill in Details:
Open the Excel utility, complete each section as per company specifics. Import pre-filled data (JSON) directly if available to speed up the process.

4. Validate and Generate JSON:
Use the built-in utility functions to validate your entry. Once validated, generate the submission file (JSON format).

5. Upload to Portal:
Log in to the Income Tax India e-filing portal, select AY 2025-26, choose ITR-6, and upload the generated file.

6. Review and Submit:
Carefully review the summary provided by the portal. If all details are correct, submit the form and verify using OTP/Digital Signature Certificate.

Crucial Tips for Companies Filing ITR-6

• Accuracy Matters: Double-check figures, especially for assets, deductions, and income types, as errors can trigger notices.

• Use Updated Utility: Always download the latest Excel file from the Income Tax website for compatibility.

• Audit Requirements: Keep all supporting documents, like audited financials, handy for possible scrutiny.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring deadline extensions, assuming the old date.

• Uploading incorrect or unsupported file formats.

• Missing mandatory disclosures like directorships, shareholdings, or foreign assets.

• Not generating the validation file for submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can LLPs file through ITR-6?
  No, ITR-6 is strictly for companies except those claiming exemption under Section 11.

• What happens if the company misses the deadline?
  Penalties and interest may apply, alongside possible notice for compliance.

• Can the utility auto-fill data?
  If you have imported your data from previous filings or the portal, much of the recurring information may be pre-filled, but new disclosures will need manual entry.

Conclusion

This year’s ITR-6 Excel utility for AY 2025-26 is a helpful addition for companies filing their returns for FY 2024-25.

With tighter compliance norms, earlier release, and a more transparent reporting structure, corporate taxpayers are encouraged to file early, remain accurate, and take full advantage of the official utility for seamless filing.