YEAR-END TAX PLANNING CHECKLIST
Complete before 31 March 2026 for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
Regime & Estimation
- ☐ Compare old vs new regime for your income profile
- ☐ Estimate total income and tax liability for the full year
- ☐ Check eligibility for rebate under Section 87A
Deductions & Investments
- ☐ Exhaust the Section 80C limit – PPF, ELSS, EPF, life insurance, tuition
- ☐ Pay 80D health insurance premium for self, family and parents
- ☐ Consider NPS contribution under Section 80CCD(1B)
- ☐ Claim 80TTA / 80TTB interest and 80E education loan interest
- ☐ Make eligible 80G donations and collect receipts
Capital Gains & Property
- ☐ Harvest long-term gains within the exemption limit
- ☐ Set off capital losses against gains and carry forward the balance
- ☐ Review home loan principal (80C) and interest (24b) claims
- ☐ Plan reinvestment under Section 54 / 54F / 54EC if applicable
Liabilities & Records
- ☐ Pay the final advance tax instalment by 15 March 2026
- ☐ Deposit any pending TDS on rent (26QC) or property (26QB)
- ☐ Submit investment proofs to the employer before the cut-off
- ☐ Organise documents for a smooth ITR filing next year
Tax-saving investments must be made on or before 31 March 2026 to count for FY 2025-26; choosing the wrong regime or missing proofs cannot be corrected after the year closes.