Overview
The deadline for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2026-27 varies based on your taxpayer category. Although July 31, 2026, is the general deadline, the Budget 2026 has extended it to August 31, 2026, for certain business and professional taxpayers.
The Key Deadlines for AY 2026-27
| Taxpayer Category | Applicable ITR Form | Due Date |
| Salaried Individuals & HUFs (No business income) | ITR-1 or ITR-2 | July 31, 2026 |
| Non-Audit Businesses & Professionals (Freelancers, Consultants) | ITR-3 or ITR-4 | August 31, 2026 |
| Audit Cases (Turnover above threshold) | ITR-3, 5, or 6 | October 31, 2026 |
| Transfer Pricing Cases (International transactions) | ITR-3 or 6 | November 30, 2026 |
Which Deadline Is Yours?
July 31 is your deadline if:
- You are primarily a salaried employee,
- You are a retiree with pension income, or
- You have income from house property or other sources (interest, dividends), and you do not have a business or professional practice.
August 31 is your deadline if:
- You are a freelancer, small business owner, or professional (e.g., consultant), and
- Your accounts do not require a mandatory tax audit.
This "extra month" was introduced specifically for ITR-3 and ITR-4 filers in 2026 to provide more time for closing books and performing reconciliations.
Important Changes to Note
Revised Returns
The deadline to file a revised return has been extended to March 31, 2027 (up from December 31). This provides greater flexibility to correct mistakes discovered after the original filing.
Belated Returns
If you miss your respective July or August deadline, you may still file a Belated Return until December 31, 2026. However, this will attract a late filing fee (up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F) along with interest on any unpaid tax.
New Act Transition
Although the Income-tax Act, 2025 took effect on April 1, 2026, the returns for income earned during FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) continue to be governed by the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Important Clarification on the New Tax Act
There is a common source of confusion regarding the "New Income Tax Act, 2025.
- For AY 2026-27 (Income earned in FY 2025-26): You will still file your return under the old Income Tax Act, 1961. The deadlines mentioned above apply specifically to this assessment year.
- For the future: The new act will come into effect for the Tax Year 2026-27 (returns due in 2027).
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