The Income Tax Department is introducing an important update in the way certain tax-related forms are filed online.
If you are an accounts officer, tax practitioner, or someone who handles government tax filings, this change is something you should know about immediately.
The biggest update is that the government is slowly replacing Form 24G with a new form called Form No. 137 under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Form 24G will continue to be used for financial years up to 2025–26.
- Starting from financial year 2026–27, Form No. 137 will become compulsory.
But there’s another very important rule that applies right now.
FVU Version 1.9 Is Now Mandatory
Before these forms are submitted, they must be checked using a software tool called the File Validation Utility (FVU).
The Income Tax Department has now made it compulsory to use FVU Version 1.9.
If you still use the older FVU Version 1.8, your file will be rejected automatically.
In simple words:
No validation through FVU 1.9 = No successful filing.
What You Need to Know
1. Older Software Will Not Work
FVU Version 1.8 is no longer accepted. Any file validated with it will fail during submission.
2. FVU 1.9 Supports Both Forms
The new software works for:
- Existing Form 24G
- New Form No. 137
This makes the transition smoother for users.
3. Form 137 Is the Future
The government is introducing Form No. 137 as part of the Income Tax Act, 2025, to modernize tax reporting and digital filing systems.
4. Upgrade Immediately
Experts recommend switching to FVU Version 1.9 right away to avoid delays, rejected files, or compliance issues.
Final Takeaway
This update is not just about a new form number—it’s about using the correct software for filing tax statements successfully.
For now:
- Continue using Form 24G where applicable
- Prepare for Form No. 137 from 2026–27 onward
- Most importantly, validate every file using FVU Version 1.9
Using the latest version is now compulsory to stay compliant with tax filing rules in India.