Filing your Income Tax Return on time keeps your finances organised and reduces stress. Every year, many people miss the ITR deadline because they are confused about the dates, income categories, or the required documents at the last minute.
For FY 2025–26, it is important to know the ITR filing deadline for AY 2026–27.
No matter if you are salaried, a freelancer, or a small business owner, knowing the due date helps you avoid penalties, interest, and tax notices.
If you do not file your return on time, you may have to pay interest under Section 234A and a late fee of up to Rs. 5,000 under Section 234F.
Even if you miss the due date, you can file a belated return up to 31st December of the assessment year.
ITR Filing Last Date for AY 2026–27
For FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27), the last date to file income tax return for non-audit taxpayers using ITR-1 or ITR-2 is 31st July 2026. If you miss this date, you may have to pay late fees and interest. Even if the deadline is missed, you can still file a belated return within the allowed time.
ITR Filing Due Dates for Different Taxpayers For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
The ITR filing due date is different for each taxpayer category. You can check the due dates for AY 2026–27 below-
1. ITR-1 & ITR-2 – Due date: 31st July 2026
These forms are mainly for salaried individuals, pensioners, and people with income from house property or other sources. People without business or professional income generally file ITR-1 or ITR-2.
2. ITR-3 & ITR-4 (Non-audit cases) – Due date: 31st August 2026
These returns are for business owners and professionals whose accounts are not audited. Small business owners and freelancers use these returns.
3. ITR-3 & ITR-4 (Audit cases) – Due date: 31st October 2026
If your business or professional income requires an audit, you must file your return by this date. Audit cases take more time, so the due date is later.
4. Taxpayers with transfer pricing reports – Due date: 30th November 2026
Businesses with international or special domestic transactions must submit a transfer pricing report before filing their tax return.
5. Belated (Late) Return – Due date: 31st December 2026
Even if you miss the due date, you can file a late return, but a penalty or interest may apply.
6. Revised Return – Due date: 31st March 2027
If you made a mistake in your original or belated return, you can correct it by filing a revised return before this date.
7. Updated Return – Due date: 31st March 2031
You can file an updated return within 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment year. This is mainly used to report missed income or correct major mistakes, and to pay extra tax.
Benefits of Filing ITR on Time
Filing your ITR on time is not only about avoiding penalties. It also helps in many other financial matters, such as:
- Faster loan approval
- Easier visa processing
- Better financial credibility
- Smooth verification for financial services
Many lenders and instant loan apps ask for recent ITR acknowledgements as proof of income when you apply for an instant loan online.
Is the ITR Filing Due Date Extended?
The government extends the income tax return due date because of technical problems or special situations. However, such extensions are not assured. It is always better to file your income tax return before the due date, complete your documents early, and avoid last-minute stress, penalties, or system issues.
ITR Filing After Due Date
If you miss the ITR due date, you are allowed to file a belated return by 31st December of the relevant assessment year. This option helps taxpayers who missed the deadline due to genuine reasons. If you also miss this date, you can file an updated return within 48 months (4 years) from the end of the assessment year, subject to additional tax and conditions.
What Are the Options for ITR Filing After the Due Date?
Missed the income tax due date? You still have options to file your return.
1) Belated Return
A belated return is filed by taxpayers who miss the original ITR due date. It must be filed by 31st December of the assessment year. For FY 2025–26, the belated return can be filed up to 31st December 2026.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Who can file |
Taxpayers who missed the original ITR due date |
|
Type of return |
Belated Return |
|
General due date |
31st December of the assessment year |
|
Due date for FY 2025–26 |
31st December 2026 |
2) Updated Return
An updated return is filed when both the original and belated return deadlines are missed. It can be filed within 4 years from the end of the assessment year. For FY 2025–26, the last date to file an updated return is 31st March 2031.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Who can file |
Taxpayers who missed both original and belated return deadlines |
|
Type of return |
Updated Return |
|
General due date |
Within 4 years from the end of the assessment year |
|
Due date for FY 2025–26 |
31st March 2031 |
What Happens If You Miss the Due Date for Filing the ITR?
Missing the income tax due date can cause financial loss and other issues. A penalty for late filing is applied under Section 234F.
|
Total Income |
Late Fee |
|
Above ₹5 lakh |
₹5,000 |
|
Up to ₹5 lakh |
₹1,000 |
Impacts of Missing the ITR Filing Deadline
Missing the ITR filing deadline can lead to late fees, interest charges, loss of carry-forward losses, delayed refunds, and notices from the Income Tax Department, resulting in a financial burden and unnecessary stress.
- Interest on Late ITR Filing: Filing ITR after the due date means paying 1% interest every month on the pending tax under Section 234A.
- Carry Forward Losses in ITR: Losses can be carried forward to lower the tax on future income. These losses can be from property, shares, mutual funds, or business. If you miss the ITR due date, you will lose the benefit of carrying forward these losses.
- Loss of Credibility: Filing your return late can affect your financial reputation. It may cause problems in loan approval and processing, as late filing shows poor financial discipline. Late ITR filing can also affect visa processing and other financial matters.
How to Fix Errors in ITR Filing?
If you have already filed your ITR and made errors, you can revise it.
Revised return
A revised return allows a taxpayer to correct mistakes made in the original income tax return. These mistakes may include missing income details, incorrect information, or unclaimed deductions.
A revised return can be filed up to 31st March of the next year. If a taxpayer later finds any error after filing the return, they can revise it within this time limit and submit the correct details.
Updated Return
If you miss the revised return due date, you can file an updated return within 48 months from the end of the assessment year. You can file it even if you did not file an ITR earlier.
However, you cannot claim new benefits in an updated return. Also, an updated return cannot be changed again.
Conclusion
Filing your Income Tax Return on time helps you follow tax rules and avoid penalties, interest, and stress. Knowing the correct ITR due dates for AY 2026–27 helps salaried people, freelancers, and business owners plan better. Even if you miss the deadline, you can file a belated, revised, or updated return. However, filing on time always gives more benefits and keeps your financial record clean.
FAQs
- What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2026–27?
For non-audit taxpayers, the last date is 31st July 2026.
- Who needs to file ITR by 31st August 2026?
Business owners and professionals filing ITR-3 or ITR-4 (non-audit cases).
- What is the due date for audit cases?
The due date for audit cases is 31st October 2026.
- What is the ITR due date for transfer pricing cases?
The due date is 30th November 2026.
- Can I file ITR after the due date?
Yes, you can file a belated return.
- What is the last date to file a belated return for FY 2025–26?
31st December 2026.
- What happens if I miss the belated return deadline?
You can file an updated return.
- What is the time limit to file an updated return?
Within 4 years (48 months) from the end of the assessment year.
- What is the last date to file an updated return for FY 2025–26?
31st March 2031.
- Is there a penalty for late filing of ITR?
Yes, a late fee is charged under Section 234F.
- What is the late fee under Section 234F?
Up to ₹5,000, depending on total income.
- Is interest charged for late ITR filing?
Yes, interest is charged under Section 234A.
- What is the interest rate under Section 234A?
1% per month or part of a month on unpaid tax.
- Can I revise my ITR after filing it?
Yes, you can file a revised return.
- What is the last date to file a revised return?
31st March of the next year.
- Can an updated return be revised again?
No, an updated return cannot be revised further.
- Can I claim extra deductions in an updated return?
No, new benefits or deductions cannot be claimed.
- What losses cannot be carried forward if ITR is filed late?
Business losses and capital losses cannot be carried forward.
- Does late ITR filing affect loans or visa applications?
Yes, it can affect loan approval and visa processing.
- Is timely ITR filing useful even if no tax is payable?
Yes, it helps in loans, visas, refunds, and financial credibility.
