ITR Last Date & Due Dates for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26)
Last verified: June 2026, against the Income Tax Act and Budget 2025 provisions cited below. Figures apply to FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). General information, not personal tax advice.
Missing the ITR deadline costs you late fees, interest and the right to carry forward losses. For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), the due date depends on which return you file and whether you need a tax audit. Here is the full calendar.
Due dates for AY 2026-27
| Taxpayer / return | Due date |
|---|---|
| Individuals filing ITR-1 / ITR-2 (no audit) | 31 July 2026 |
| ITR-3 / ITR-4 business income (no audit) | 31 August 2026 |
| Taxpayers requiring a tax audit | 31 October 2026 (audit report by 30 Sep 2026) |
| Transfer-pricing cases (Form 3CEB) | 30 November 2026 |
| Belated / revised return | 31 December 2026 |
| Updated return (ITR-U) | Up to 48 months from end of AY |
Note: the CBDT sometimes extends these dates; always check for the latest notification near the deadline.
What happens if you miss 31 July
- Late fee under Section 234F: ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income up to ₹5 lakh).
- Interest under Section 234A on unpaid tax.
- Loss of carry-forward of capital and business losses — see set-off and carry-forward.
- You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026.
File early to avoid the rush
The portal slows down near deadlines, and early filing means faster refunds. Once filed, remember to e-verify within 30 days or the return is invalid.
Where things stand in October 2026
For AY 2026-27, the 31 July 2026 deadline for ITR-1 and ITR-2 filers and the 31 August 2026 deadline for non-audit ITR-3 and ITR-4 filers have passed and were not extended. On 28 September 2026 the CBDT extended the tax audit report deadline to 21 October 2026 and the return deadline for audit cases to 21 November 2026. Transfer-pricing cases have until 30 November 2026.
If you missed your deadline, you can still file a belated return until 31 December 2026 (or before assessment is completed, if earlier).
What a late return costs: worked example
Suppose you owed ₹40,000 of tax that was not covered by TDS and you file a belated return on 15 December 2026 instead of 31 July:
- Late fee: ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh).
- Interest at 1% a month on the unpaid ₹40,000 for 5 months: ₹2,000.
- Total extra cost: ₹7,000, plus you cannot carry forward most losses (house property loss is an exception).
Missed 31 December too?
An updated return (ITR-U) can still be filed for up to 48 months from the end of the assessment year, but it costs an additional 25% to 70% of the tax and interest due depending on how late you are, and it cannot be used to claim a refund. See ITR-U explained and belated and revised returns.
What changes under the Income-tax Act, 2025
The Income-tax Act, 2025 replaced the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026. Returns for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) are still filed under the old Act, old section numbers and old forms. From tax year 2026-27 onwards, section numbers and many form numbers change — for example, Form 16 becomes Form 130, Forms 15G/15H merge into Form 121, Form 26QB becomes part of Form 141 and Form 10E becomes Form 39. The underlying rules discussed here were largely carried over; only the references change.
FAQs
What is the last date for a belated return for AY 2026-27?
31 December 2026, or before the assessment is completed if that is earlier.
Was the deadline extended for audit cases?
Yes. The CBDT moved the audit-case return deadline to 21 November 2026 and the tax audit report deadline to 21 October 2026.
What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2026-27?
31 July 2026 for most individuals (ITR-1/ITR-2, no audit). Business/audit cases have later dates.
Can I file after 31 July?
Yes, as a belated return until 31 December 2026, with a late fee and interest.
Will the deadline be extended?
Sometimes the CBDT extends it, but do not rely on that — file on time.
What is the penalty for late filing?
Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F (₹1,000 if income is up to ₹5 lakh), plus interest.