ITR Filing Last Date 2026: Even as the ITR filing season is still going on, it is necessary for taxpayers to know that the deadline to file an income tax return is not the same for every taxpayer this
year. While many salaried individuals had to complete their income tax return filing by July 31, certain taxpayers have been given time till August 31, 2026, to file their income tax return.
The August 31 deadline applies to taxpayers who earned business income in FY 2025-26 and are not required to have their accounts audited. Such taxpayers usually file ITR-3 and ITR-4. Knowing the correct ITR filing deadline is important to avoid late fees and other compliance issues.
Who can file ITR by August 31?
As per the ITR filing timeline for the assessment year 2026-27, taxpayers filing ITR-3 or ITR-4, whose accounts are not subject to tax audit, can submit their income tax return by August 31, 2026.
This mainly includes individuals such as:
- Proprietors carrying on business or profession who file ITR-3 but are not liable for tax audit.
- Professionals and small business owners opting for the presumptive taxation scheme and filing ITR-4, provided they are not covered under tax audit provisions.
What if you require tax audit?
Before starting your income tax e-filing, check the ITR form applicable to your income and whether your accounts require a tax audit. The due date depends on your category of taxpayer and the return form you are required to file, not just on whether you are an individual or a business owner.
If your account requires audit, you have time till October 31 to file your ITR. A tax audit is generally mandatory for businesses with annual turnover above Rs 10 crore (if cash receipts and cash payments each do not exceed 5% of the total), businesses with turnover above Rs 1 crore otherwise, and professionals with gross receipts exceeding Rs 75 lakh.
What happens if you miss the applicable deadline?
Missing your applicable income tax return filing last date does not mean you cannot file your return. However, you may have to file a belated return, which can attract a late filing fee of up to Rs 5,000, depending on your income and the provisions applicable to you. In some cases, taxpayers may also lose certain tax benefits, such as the ability to carry forward specific losses.
Who was required to file by July 31?
For most individual taxpayers, the ITR filing last date remained July 31, 2026. This category includes salaried employees, pensioners, students, and individuals who generally file ITR-1 or ITR-2 and are not engaged in business or professional activities.
According to the latest data available on the e-filing portal, a total of 6.04 crore ITRs have been filed so far.
