Excel Utilities and JSON Schema Release for ITR-2 and ITR-3 AY 2025-26

Income Tax Update: ITR-2 and ITR-3 Utilities Released for AY 2025–26

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now rolled out the Excel utilities and updated JSON schemas for ITR-2 and ITR-3 for the Assessment Year 2025–26. This move marks a crucial step in enabling smoother, more accurate return filing for individuals and HUFs with capital gains, business income, or foreign assets.

What’s New?

1. Offline Utilities Now Live for All Key ITRs Excel-based tools for ITR-1 through ITR-4 can now be downloaded directly from the income tax portal. These allow taxpayers to prepare their returns offline before uploading them—a major convenience for those who prefer working outside the portal interface.

2. AIS and TIS Fully Synced with Filing Process The Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS) are now fully integrated. Users can easily cross-check data like salary, TDS, interest income, and investments before filing. This helps reduce mismatches and potential notices.

3. How the Offline Filing Works (for ITR-2 & ITR-3)

Fill out your return using the Excel utility
Validate all entries and schedules
Generate a .JSON file
Upload it via the e-filing portal and complete e-verification

This process is the same across ITR-1 to ITR-4 for those choosing the offline route.

4. Updated JSON Schema as of July 24, 2025 The Excel utilities now come bundled with the latest schema and validation rules, aligned with changes made under the Finance Act, 2025. Using the latest version is key to avoiding upload errors or mismatches.

5. Filing Timeline & Current Status

ITR-2: Both Excel and web-based online filing options are live.
ITR-3: Only Excel utility is live; online data entry (web-form) is not yet available—expected soon.
Last Date: For most individuals, the due date remains September 15, 2025.

6. How to Download & Use These Tools

Visit the [official e-filing downloads page]
Get the Excel utility for your applicable ITR form
Extract the ZIP and enable macros
Fill the required schedules
Generate and upload the JSON
E-verify your return within 30 days to complete submission

7. Key Form Changes for FY 2024–25

Asset/Liability disclosure now mandatory only if total income exceeds ₹1 crore
Capital gains reporting refined—separate treatment for pre- and post-July 23, 2024 transactions
New fields for crypto, business income, and VDA (virtual digital asset) reporting
Smarter validation for AIS/TIS matching and TDS section codes

Final Takeaway

With the utilities now available for all major ITRs, taxpayers—especially those with complex incomes or capital gains—should switch to the latest Excel tools for accurate filing. Keep an eye on the portal for ITR-3’s web-based release, and don’t forget to e-verify returns within the 30-day window after submission to complete the process.