AdvertisementThe Income Tax Department, under the Central Board of Direct Taxes, has introduced simplified tax forms under the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026, using simpler language, standardized pre-filled formats and technology-driven processes. The brochure under the “Taxpayer Information Series” discusses Forms 138 and 140, corresponding to erstwhile Forms 24Q and 26Q, for quarterly TDS reporting on salaries and specified payments to Indian residents. It states that Form 138 is filed by employers under Section 392 and Section 393(1)(Table: S.No. 8(iii)) and Rule 219 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026, while Form 140 is filed by non-salary deductors under Rule 219. 27EQ)BACKGROUND:The Income Tax Department has introduced simplified tax forms under the Income-tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, 2026, to improve ease of compliance for all stakeholders.