The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27 is approaching, with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) maintaining the standard due dates. Taxpayers are advised to file their returns promptly to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
For most individuals, the due date for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 forms is July 31, 2026. This applies to salaried employees, pensioners, and others whose income is primarily from salary, one house property, other sources (like interest), and agricultural income up to 7,000.
Taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to a tax audit have until August 31, 2026, to file their returns using ITR-3 or ITR-4 forms. For those whose accounts require a tax audit, the deadline is extended to October 31, 2026.
The CBDT has not announced any extensions beyond these dates. Therefore, it is crucial for taxpayers to adhere to the specified deadlines to avoid late fees and potential penalties. Late filing can result in a penalty of up to 7,000, with additional interest charges under Section 234A.
As of July 10, 2026, over 1.5 crore ITRs for AY 2026-27 had been filed, with more than 1.44 crore verified. This indicates a steady pace of compliance among taxpayers.
Taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns well before the due dates to ensure timely processing and to avoid any last-minute issues. Utilizing the pre-filled forms available on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal can simplify the process.
For detailed information and to file returns, taxpayers can visit the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal.