CBDT Directs IT Offices to Stay Open on 31st March 2026 for Financial Year-End Work

Last updated: 21 March 2026

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Quick Summary

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has instructed all Income Tax offices across India to remain open on March 31, 2026. This date, which marks the end of the financial year 2025-26, is also a public holiday for Mahavir Jayanti. The directive aims to facilitate the completion of pending departmental work, process last-minute tax filings, and ensure a smooth closure of financial records.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has directed that all Income Tax offices across India will remain open on March 31, 2026, even though the day is a public holiday on account of Mahavir Jayanti.

The decision has been taken under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, to ensure smooth completion of pending departmental work before the close of the financial year 2025-26.

Income Tax Offices Open March 31, 2026 for Financial Year-End

Why Will Income Tax Offices Remain Open?

March 31 marks the end of the financial year, making it one of the most crucial dates for both taxpayers and the tax department. Since the day coincides with Mahavir Jayanti, a declared closed holiday, the CBDT has stepped in to avoid any disruption in essential tax-related functions.

The order specifically states that keeping offices operational is necessary to facilitate:

Completion of pending assessments and departmental work
Processing of last-minute tax filings and compliance
Ensuring smooth closure of financial year records

Section 119: Enabling Administrative Flexibility

The CBDT has issued this directive using its powers under Section 119, which allows it to provide administrative guidance and relaxations for effective tax administration.

Such orders are typically issued to remove practical difficulties and ensure that compliance processes run smoothly, especially during critical deadlines like the financial year-end.

What This Means for You

If you have pending tax-related tasks, March 31, 2026, remains fully operational despite being a holiday. Taxpayers should:

Complete any last-minute filings or documentation
Ensure all financial records are updated
Take advantage of the extended operational support from tax offices

Conclusion

The CBDT's decision to keep Income Tax offices open on March 31, 2026, highlights the importance of the financial year-end and reinforces the government’s focus on seamless tax administration. Taxpayers are advised not to delay critical tasks and make the most of this extended window to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Official copy of the order is as follows

Official Order

FAQ :

Yes, the CBDT has directed all Income Tax offices to remain open on March 31, 2026.

The offices are staying open on March 31, 2026, which is Mahavir Jayanti, to ensure the smooth completion of pending departmental work and tax filings before the close of the financial year.

The purpose is to facilitate the completion of pending assessments, process last-minute tax filings, and ensure smooth closure of financial year records.

The CBDT has issued this directive under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

Taxpayers should complete any last-minute filings or documentation and ensure their financial records are updated, taking advantage of the extended operational support.

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