ITR Filing Due Dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

Summary: The article outlines the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) based on taxpayer category, return type, tax audit liability and transfer pricing provisions. It states that the due dates are 31 July 2026 for ITR-1 and ITR-2, 31 August 2026 for non-audit ITR-3 and ITR-4 cases, 31 October 2026 for tax audit cases, 30 November 2026 for transfer pricing cases, 31 December 2026 for belated returns, and 31 March 2027 for revised returns, unless extended by the Income Tax Department. Eligible taxpayers may file an Updated Return (ITR-U) within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year, with the last date for AY 2026-27 stated as 31 March 2031, subject to statutory conditions. The article also explains that delayed filing may attract interest under Section 234A, late filing fee under Section 234F, and may affect the carry forward of specified losses under Section 139(1). It further notes that, although the Income Tax Act, 2025 comes into force from 1 April 2026, returns for AY 2026-27 continue to be governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961, while providing the corresponding provisions under the new Act.

Introduction: Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) within the prescribed due date is essential to remain compliant with the Income-tax Act, avoid interest and late filing fees, preserve the right to carry forward eligible losses, and ensure quicker processing of refunds. Timely filing also strengthens financial credibility for loan and visa applications. The due date for filing an Income Tax Return depends upon the category of taxpayer, nature of income, and whether the taxpayer is liable for a tax audit or transfer pricing provisions.

Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Due Dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

The above due dates are applicable unless extended by the Income Tax Department.

ITR Due Dates by Return Type

ITR Due Dates Based on Taxpayer Category

1. Salaried Individuals

Individuals earning salary, pension, house property income, capital gains, or other sources and filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 must file their return by 31 July 2026, provided they are not liable for tax audit.

2. Freelancers and Professionals (Non-Audit)

Professionals and freelancers having business or professional income who are not liable for tax audit must file ITR by 31 August 2026.

3. Businesses and Professionals Liable for Tax Audit

Taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited under Section 44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961 must file their return by 31 October 2026.

Determine Your Applicable Due Date

What If You Miss the Due Date?

If the original due date is missed, the Income-tax Act provides two additional mechanisms for filing the return, subject to prescribed conditions.

Belated Return

A taxpayer who fails to file the original return within the prescribed due date may file a Belated Return on or before 31 December 2026.

Updated Return (ITR-U)

If both the original and belated return deadlines are missed, an eligible taxpayer may file an Updated Return (ITR-U) within 48 months from the end of the relevant Assessment Year.

For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), the last date for filing an Updated Return is 31 March 2031, subject to the conditions specified under the Act.

Comparison of Belated and Updated Returns

Consequences of Missing the ITR Due Date

1. Interest under Section 234A

Interest at 1% per month or part thereof is payable on unpaid tax from the due date until the date of filing.

2. Late Filing Fee under Section 234F

3. Loss of Carry Forward of Losses

Failure to file the return within the prescribed due date may result in the inability to carry forward certain losses, including:

• Business Losses
• Capital Losses arising from sale of shares, mutual funds, property, and other capital assets

Such losses cannot generally be carried forward to subsequent assessment years if the return is not filed within the due date prescribed under Section 139(1), subject to statutory exceptions.

4. Impact on Financial Reputation

Delayed filing may adversely affect:

• Loan approvals
• Credit assessment
• Visa applications
• Overall financial compliance record

What If You Discover Errors After Filing?

The Income-tax Act allows taxpayers to rectify mistakes through a Revised Return or, in certain situations, an Updated Return.

Revised Return

A Revised Return may be filed to correct any omission or error in the original return.

Due Date: 31 March 2027

Example

Suppose Mr. X filed his return for FY 2025-26 on 30 June 2026. Later, on 1 August 2026, he discovers that he forgot to claim an eligible deduction. He can file a Revised Return up to 31 March 2027.

Updated Return (ITR-U)

An Updated Return may be filed:

• Whether or not an original return has been filed.
• Within 48 monthsfrom the end of the relevant Assessment Year.
• Subject to the conditions prescribed under the Income-tax Act.

However:

• Additional refunds or fresh deductions cannot generally be claimed through an Updated Return.
• An Updated Return cannot be revised again.

Extension of ITR Due Dates

As of now, no extension has been notified for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27).

Accordingly, the due dates remain:

• 31 July 2026– ITR-1 and ITR-2
• 31 August 2026– ITR-3 and ITR-4 (Non-Audit)
• 31 October 2026– Audit Cases
• 30 November 2026– Transfer Pricing Cases

Any future extension will be notified by the Income Tax Department.

Income Tax Act, 2025 – Relevant Changes

Although the Income Tax Act, 2025 comes into force from 1 April 2026, the return for AY 2026-27 continues to be governed by the Income-tax Act, 1961, since it relates to income earned during FY 2025-26.

The corresponding provisions under the new Act are as follows: