Income-tax Act, 2025 और पुराना Act: किस Income Period पर कौन-सा कानून?

The Income Tax Department states that the Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026. Returns for FY 2025–26 / AY 2026–27 remain under the earlier framework, while income for the period starting 1 April 2026 follows the new Tax Year framework. Filing an older-period return after the transition does not automatically move that income into the new Act. ^{[1] [2]}

Label every record with its period

Write the income period and applicable filing year on the working papers before choosing forms, section references or payment options. Separate an older assessment/revision matter from current-year income. A date printed on a portal notice may be different from the period to which the notice relates.

Check forms and cross-references

Use the department’s transition FAQs and year-specific utilities. Old section numbers, familiar form names and earlier exemptions should not be copied into a new-period calculation without mapping their current treatment. Keep the source used for the conclusion, especially where a transitional or outstanding proceeding is involved. ^[2]

Practical preparation checklist

• Exact income period and return/notice year.
• Applicable Act and transitional provisions.
• Correct form/utility and payment-year selection.
• Reviewed section references and saved filing evidence.

Illustrative example

A taxpayer prepares an AY 2026–27 return during late 2026. The income belongs to FY 2025–26, so the return does not become a Tax Year 2026–27 return merely because it is being prepared after April 2026.

Avoid this mistake

Do not use “new tax law” and “new tax regime” interchangeably. A change in the governing Act is different from a tax-regime option. This guide explains the period distinction; transaction-specific relief, deadlines and pending proceedings require their own review.