ITR Filing Deadlines for FY 2025-26 Announced: Taxpayers Advised to File Returns on time
ITR Filing Deadlines for FY 2025-26 Announced: Taxpayers Advised to File Returns on Time
The Income Tax Department has outlined the important deadlines for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. Taxpayers are advised to take note of the applicable due dates based on their category and ensure timely compliance to avoid penalties and other complications.
For salaried individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who are not required to undergo a tax audit and are filing ITR-1 or ITR-2, the due date for filing returns is 31 July 2026.
Individuals and businesses earning income from business or profession that are not subject to tax audit and are filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 must submit their returns by 31 August 2026.
Taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited have a longer compliance window, with the due date fixed as 31 October 2026.
Businesses involved in international or specified domestic transactions that require submission of a Transfer Pricing Report must file their returns by 30 November 2026.
The Income Tax Department has also provided relief for those who miss the original filing deadline. A belated return can be filed up to 31 December 2026, subject to payment of applicable late filing fees, which may extend up to ₹5,000.
Tax experts recommend filing returns well before the due date to avoid last-minute technical issues, ensure faster processing of refunds, and maintain smooth tax compliance. Early filing also helps taxpayers identify and rectify any discrepancies in financial records or tax deductions.
With digital filing facilities becoming increasingly user-friendly, taxpayers are encouraged to complete their filings in advance and keep all necessary documents such as Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, and PAN-Aadhaar linkage details ready for a hassle-free filing experience.