The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season for Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, corresponding to Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, is underway. The Income Tax Department has enabled filing of several return forms, including ITR-1, ITR-2, and ITR-4, on the e-filing portal as per availability. It is essential to understand the correct ITR filing due dates. Missing the deadline can lead to late filing fees, interest on tax dues, delayed refunds, and compliance issues.
We will explain the expected ITR filing deadlines, taxpayer categories, penalties, and key filing tips for AY 2026-27.
ITR Filing Due Dates for AY 2026-27
Salaried Individuals and Non-Audit Taxpayers (ITR-1 and ITR-2)
Due Date: 31 July 2026
This deadline applies to:
- Salaried employees
- Pensioners
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Individuals without business income requiring an audit
- Taxpayers filing applicable forms such as ITR-1 (Sahaj) or ITR-2
Business Owners and Professionals Without Audit Requirement (ITR-3 and ITR-4)
Due Date: 31 August 2026
This deadline applies to:
- Freelancers covered under applicable ITR provisions
- Consultants
- Small business owners eligible under the relevant filing provisions
- Professionals under presumptive taxation schemes
- Taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4, depending on their income sources and applicable provisions, where tax audit is not required
Taxpayers Requiring Tax Audit
Due Date: 31 October 2026
Applicable to:
- Businesses crossing audit thresholds
- Professionals requiring mandatory tax audit
- Companies and entities covered under audit provisions of the Income Tax Act
Transfer Pricing Cases
Due Date: 30 November 2026
This applies to taxpayers involved in:
- International transactions
- Specified domestic transactions
- Transfer pricing compliance and related reporting requirements
Deadline for Filing a Belated Return
Last Date: 31 December 2026
If you miss your original ITR due date, you can still file a belated return before 31 December 2026. However, taxpayers may face:
- Late filing fees under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act
- Interest on outstanding tax liability
- Delayed processing of refunds
Revised Return Deadline
Last Date: 31 March 2027
If you discover mistakes after filing your return, you can submit a revised return before 31 March 2027. Common corrections include:
- Missed income reporting
- Incorrect deduction claims
- Wrong bank account details
- Errors in tax calculations
Updated Return (ITR-U)
Taxpayers who missed reporting income can file an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A). Current provisions allow filing for up to four years from the end of the relevant assessment year, subject to additional tax and other conditions prescribed under the Income Tax Act.
Documents Required for ITR Filing FY 2025-26
Before starting your return, keep the following documents and information ready:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Form 16
- Form 26AS
- Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Tax Information Statement (TIS)
- Salary slips
- Bank statements
- Interest certificates
- Capital gains statements
- Home loan interest certificates and relevant documents
- Investment proofs under Sections 80C, 80D, and other deductions
Also Read: Old vs New Income Tax Regime in India 2026
How to File Your ITR Online
Taxpayers can file their returns through the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal. Visit the portal, select AY 2026-27, choose the appropriate ITR form, verify pre-filled information, report income and deductions, submit the return, and complete e-verification within the prescribed timeline.
For income tax purposes, the Financial Year (FY) 2025–26 runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, during which income is earned and transactions are recorded. The Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27 is the following year, when the income earned in FY 2025–26 is reported through the ITR and processed under income tax provisions.
Do not wait until last week. Gather your documents, verify AIS and Form 26AS, and file your return accurately to reduce the risk of errors, penalties, and delays in refund processing.
Note: Information in this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Please verify details with the official Income Tax Department or consult a qualified tax professional.
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