Excel Utilities for ITR‑2 & ITR‑3 Now Live for AY 2025‑26: What You Need to Know
Filing your income tax return just got much easier. For AY 2025–26, the Income Tax Department has released Excel-based utilities for ITR‑2 and ITR‑3. These tools are particularly helpful for taxpayers with multiple income sources, including capital gains, crypto transactions, rental income, or business/professional income.
Who Should Use ITR‑2 & ITR‑3?
ITR‑2 is meant for:
- Individuals and HUFs who don’t have business or professional income
- Those who earn from salary, capital gains, foreign income, rental income, etc.
- Individuals with income that needs to be clubbed from minor children or spouses (Income Tax India)
ITR‑3 is applicable to:
- Individuals and HUFs deriving business or professional income
- Also includes capital gains, crypto income, and other sources
Why Use the Excel Utilities?
Previously, only ITR‑1 and ITR‑4 utilities were available. Taxpayers in the ITR‑2 and ITR‑3 categories had to wait. The release of these tools on 11 July 2025 means now they too can prepare returns offline. (Income Tax India)
Benefits include:
- Prepare your return offline in Excel
- Built-in validations to avoid errors
- Generate a JSON file for seamless upload to the e‑file portal
- Greater control and convenience, especially for complex cases
What’s New in ITR‑2 & ITR‑3 Forms This Year?
Updated Features for FY 2024‑25 (AY 2025‑26):
- Capital Gains Reporting
Split gains between pre‑23 July 2024 and post‑23 July 2024, since tax rates changed under the Finance Act 2024. - Share Buyback Losses
Losses on share buybacks allowed if dividend income is reported under “other sources.” - Asset & Liability Reporting Limit
Raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore total income. Only those above ₹1 crore need to report details in Schedule AL. - More Details Required for Deductions & TDS
You must now provide policy numbers (for insurance/PPF), HRA details, landlord details, Section‑wise TDS code, and other specifics. (Income Tax India)
How to Download & Use These Utilities
You can find the ITR‑2, ITR‑3 Excel utilities, along with JSON schemas and validation files, in the Downloads section of the Income Tax e‑filing portal. (Income Tax India)
Steps:
- Visit the official e‑filing portal at incometax.gov.in.
- Go to Downloads → ITR Utilities (AY 2025‑26).
- Locate ITR‑2 (8.93 MB zip) and ITR‑3 (10.8 MB zip) utilities.
- Download, unzip, enable macros, enter required data, validate, and generate JSON for upload. (Income Tax India)
Filing Deadline Extended
Originally due on 31 July 2025, the last date for filing for non‑audit cases has been extended to 15 September 2025. This gives you more time to use the new tools safely.
Tips for Accurate Filing & Avoiding Errors
- Ensure Excel is version 2016 or later with macros enabled for proper utility function. (Income Tax India)
- Gather full documentation: policy numbers, landlord details, HRA, PPF, etc., before entering data.
- Enter separate amounts for gains before vs after 23 July 2024.
- Validate thoroughly using the built‑in error checks to avoid return rejection.
- After JSON generation, log in to the income tax portal to upload under e‑File → Income Tax Return (Offline mode).
Helpful References & Links:
- Download ITR‑2 Utility | Income Tax Portal (AY 2025‑26)
- Download ITR‑3 Utility | Income Tax Portal (AY 2025‑26)
- e‑Filing Portal: incometax.gov.in → Login → Download section (Income Tax India)
Conclusion
The release of ITR‑2 and ITR‑3 Excel utilities marks a significant milestone for taxpayers with multiple income streams. Whether you’re dealing with capital gains, crypto, or business income, these tools help you file accurately and on time.
By understanding the new reporting requirements, organizing your documentation ahead, and using the Excel utility effectively, you can complete your filing well before the 15 September 2025 deadline—free from avoidable errors or penalties.