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Most people think about tax only when the payroll team asks for proofs in January — and then scramble. A calmer, cheaper approach is to spread a few small decisions across the year. Here is a practical calendar for FY 2025-26 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026), with filing running into July 2026.
April–May: set the foundation
- Choose your tax regime. Your employer will ask for a declaration. Estimate your deductions and compare the new vs old regime — this choice drives your TDS for the whole year. If you claim little, the new regime's lower rates and ₹75,000 standard deduction usually win.
- Submit your rent and investment declaration. Declare HRA rent, expected 80C, home-loan interest and 80D so TDS is deducted correctly rather than in a lump later.
- Start SIPs early. If you plan to use ELSS for 80C (old regime), a monthly SIP from April spreads the cost and averages your entry price better than a March lump sum.
June–September: mid-year check and first advance tax
- File last year's return by 31 July if you haven't. Reconcile it with your AIS/TIS.
- Pay advance tax if you have significant income outside salary (interest, capital gains, freelance). The first instalment (15%) is due by 15 June and the second (45% cumulative) by 15 September. See our note on advance tax and 234B/234C interest.
- Top up health cover. Buying or renewing health insurance early locks in your 80D deduction and cover for the year.
October–December: course-correct
- Re-estimate your tax. With half the year's payslips in hand, project your full-year income and check whether your regime choice and declared deductions still fit.
- Third advance-tax instalment (75% cumulative) is due by 15 December — important if you booked capital gains or a bonus.
- Plan big-ticket 80C items — PPF top-up, life-insurance premium, children's tuition — so you are not forced into rushed products in March.
January–March: proofs and the final push
- Submit investment proofs to payroll (usually January–February) so your final months' TDS reflects your actual deductions.
- Complete remaining 80C/80D/80CCD(1B) investments by 31 March. This is the real deadline for deductions — not July.
- Fourth advance-tax instalment (100%) is due by 15 March.
- Book or harvest capital gains thoughtfully before year-end, keeping the ₹1.25 lakh LTCG exemption in mind.
April–July (next year): file cleanly
- Collect Form 16 from your employer (usually by mid-June) and download your AIS/TIS and Form 26AS.
- Reconcile everything — salary, interest, dividends, capital gains and TDS — line by line. Read how to read your AIS/TIS.
- Pick the final regime using the ITR calculator; salaried taxpayers can still switch at filing.
- File and e-verify by 31 July and confirm your bank account is pre-validated for any refund.
A one-page summary
| Deadline | Action |
|---|---|
| 15 Jun / 15 Sep / 15 Dec / 15 Mar | Advance-tax instalments (if applicable) |
| Jan–Feb | Submit investment proofs to payroll |
| 31 March | Last day for 80C/80D/80CCD(1B) investments |
| 31 July | File and e-verify your ITR |
Plan your numbers now
Estimate your full-year tax and compare regimes before the March rush.
Open the ITR Calculator → See all deductionsFrequently asked questions
When should I choose my tax regime?
Ideally in April, when your employer asks for a declaration. The choice drives your TDS all year. You can still switch when you file your return, but an early, deliberate choice avoids over- or under-deduction of TDS.
What is the last date to make 80C investments for FY 2025-26?
31 March 2026. Any deduction under Chapter VI-A (80C, 80D, 80CCD1B, etc.) must be paid or invested within the financial year, so the deadline is the last day of March, not July.
Do I need to submit proofs to my employer?
Yes, if you want the deductions reflected in your TDS. Employers usually collect investment proofs around January-February. If you miss that window you can still claim the deduction when filing your return and get a refund.
When is the return itself due?
For most salaried taxpayers without audit, 31 July 2026 for FY 2025-26. Filing early means faster refunds and time to fix any AIS mismatch.