ITR Filing Last Date 2026: Due Dates and Penalty
- 31 July 2026 for individuals and HUFs (non-audit). Most common deadline.
- 31 October 2026 for taxpayers requiring tax audit (Section 44AB).
- 30 November 2026 for those filing transfer pricing reports (Section 92E).
- Belated returns: Until 31 December 2026 with Section 234F late fee (up to Rs 5,000).
Missing an income tax return filing deadline is one of the most expensive mistakes a taxpayer can make in India. Beyond the late filing fees, it can result in loss of the ability to carry forward losses, reduced time for claiming refunds, and in severe cases, prosecution proceedings. This article provides a complete, updated calendar of ITR filing deadlines for FY 2025-26 (Assessment Year 2026-27) for every category of taxpayer.
Key Filing Deadlines for AY 2026-27
Individuals and HUFs (Non-Audit Cases): 31 July 2026
The most common deadline. Applies to salaried individuals, pensioners, freelancers with turnover below the audit threshold, and HUFs not subject to audit. If your income is below the basic exemption limit you are technically exempt, but filing is recommended for refund claims and financial trail.
Businesses and Professionals Requiring Audit: 31 October 2026
Applies to businesses with turnover above Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 crore if 95%+ digital) and professionals with gross receipts above Rs 50 lakh. Tax audit report due 30 September 2026, ITR due 31 October 2026.
Companies: 31 October 2026
All companies (private, public, Section 8) must file ITR by 31 October 2026, with the tax audit report by 30 September 2026.
Transfer Pricing Cases: 30 November 2026
Entities with international transactions or specified domestic transactions requiring Form 3CEB. Transfer pricing report by 31 October 2026.
Trusts, Institutions, Political Parties: 31 October 2026
Trusts claiming exemption under Sections 11 and 12, and political parties filing under Section 13A. Audit report under Section 12A(1)(b) by 30 September 2026.
Belated and Revised Returns
Deadline: 31 December 2026
If you miss your original deadline, you can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) by 31 December 2026. However, there are significant consequences:
- Late filing fee of Rs 5,000 under Section 234F (Rs 1,000 if income is below Rs 5 lakh).
- Interest under Section 234A at 1% per month on the outstanding tax amount from the original due date.
- You cannot carry forward losses (except house property loss) to future years.
- Certain deductions under Chapter VI-A may be restricted.
Revised returns under Section 139(5) can also be filed until 31 December 2026 if you discover an error in your original return.
Updated Returns Under Section 139(8A)
Introduced in 2022, the updated return provision allows taxpayers to file or revise their return within 24 months from the end of the relevant assessment year, subject to payment of additional tax:
- Within 12 months of AY end: 25% additional tax on the shortfall.
- Between 12 and 24 months: 50% additional tax on the shortfall.
This provision is useful if you discover unreported income or errors after the belated return deadline has passed. However, it cannot be used to claim a refund or increase an existing refund.
Advance Tax Deadlines
If your total tax liability after TDS exceeds Rs 10,000 in a financial year, you must pay advance tax in quarterly instalments:
- 15 June 2026: At least 15% of the estimated total tax.
- 15 September 2026: At least 45% cumulatively.
- 15 December 2026: At least 75% cumulatively.
- 15 March 2027: 100% of the estimated total tax.
Failure to pay advance tax on time attracts interest under Sections 234B and 234C. Senior citizens (60 years and above) without business or professional income are exempt from advance tax requirements.
Penalties for Non-Filing
The consequences escalate with the delay and the amount involved:
- Late filing fee: Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 under Section 234F.
- Penal interest: 1% per month under Section 234A on unpaid tax.
- Loss of loss carry-forward: Business losses, capital gains losses, and other losses (except house property) cannot be carried forward if the return is filed after the due date.
- Prosecution: Under Section 276CC, wilful failure to file ITR where tax evaded exceeds Rs 25,000 can result in imprisonment of 6 months to 7 years.
Belated returns lose the ability to carry forward business and capital losses. For loss-making years that you want to set off against future profits, the July 31 deadline (or October 31 for audit) is non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to file ITR for salaried individuals?
The deadline for salaried individuals and HUFs (not requiring audit) is July 31, 2026 for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). Filing after this date attracts a late fee of up to Rs 5,000.
What is the penalty for late filing of income tax return?
Late filing fee is Rs 5,000 under Section 234F (now Section 441), reduced to Rs 1,000 if income is below Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, interest at 1% per month under Section 234A (now 423) applies on unpaid tax from the original due date.
Can I file ITR after the deadline?
Yes, you can file a belated return until December 31, 2026. However, you lose the ability to carry forward most losses and must pay late filing fees and interest on any unpaid tax.
What is the ITR filing deadline for companies and audit cases?
Companies and businesses requiring audit must file by October 31, 2026. The tax audit report must be filed by September 30, 2026. Transfer pricing cases get an extended deadline of November 30, 2026.
For the renumbered ITR filing sections under the new Act, see ITR filing under the Income Tax Act 2025. For the carry-forward rules that depend on filing-on-time, see set off and carry forward of losses.
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