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For taxpayers, the Income Tax (IT) return filing date is 31st July and 31st August 2026. During the Union Budget 2026, the last date for individuals and businesses was split between 31st July and 31st August, respectively, to ease compliance.
As per the Section 139 of the Income Tax Act (amended in Budget 2026) for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). The ITR due date for different types of taxpayers are:
Taxpayer Category
Due Date
ITR Forms
Salaried individuals
July 31st, 2026,
ITR – 1, ITR – 2
Non-Audit (Business/Profession)
August 31st, 2026
ITR -3, ITR - 4
Audit Cases
(Business/Profession)
October 31st, 2026
ITR 3, ITR – 5, ITR – 6, ITR -7
Transfer Pricing Cases
November 30th, 2026
Various (ITR - 3+)
Belated Returns
December 31st, 2026
All
Revised Returns
March 31st, 2027
Updated Returns
March 31st, 2031
Failing to file the return of income tax by the due date could lead to major consequences, including fees, interest, and restrictions.
When ITRs are filed after the due date, interest is applicable under the sections 234A, 234B, and 234C of the Income Tax Act.
Fixed penalty for belated returns (filed after due date but by Dec 31):
Belated filing blocks carrying losses forward:
Yes, you can file your Income Tax Return (ITR) after the due date through a process known as belated return filing or an updated return (ITR -U).
A belated return refers to the Income Tax Return (ITR), which is filed after the last day to file ITR. It is permitted under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. The deadline for filing a belated return is by December 31st of the FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27). A penalty of up to INR 5,000 is applicable.
Interest at 1% per month or part of a month may be charged on the unpaid tax amount. Taxpayers cannot carry forward losses (except house property losses) and may lose deductions under certain sections.
Updated return, also referred to as Form ITR–U, is an income tax filing that is allowed under Section 139(8A) of the Income Tax Act. Using ITR-U, a taxpayer can voluntarily correct mistakes, omissions, or file missed returns for up to 24 months from the end of the relevant assessment period. Filing an updated return leads to a penalty of 25% or 50% of the aggregate of tax and interest, based on whether the ITR is filed within 12 or 24 months, respectively.
To file a revised, belated, or updated income tax return online, you can do it through the e-filing portal available on the Income Tax Department’s website.
Step 1: Sign in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal using your PAN, password, and OTP.
Step 2: Click e-file and go to Income Tax Returns, select File Income Tax Return and choose the relevant Assessment Year.
Step 3: Choose the Return Type based on your situation – Revised Return, Belated Return, or Updated Return.
Step 4: Based on your income sources and taxpayer category, choose the applicable ITR form.
Step 5: Update income, deductions, tax paid, and bank details carefully. Ensure your savings bank account details are correct, as refunds will be credited directly to the registered account.
Step 6: Review all entries, tax calculations, and refund status before proceeding.
Step 7: Click ‘Submit’ after successful validation.
Step 8: Verify your return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account validation, or digital signature. After verification, the refund is processed.
As a taxpayer, it is important to be aware of the return of income tax due date. The due date can differ based on the category of taxpayer you fall under. By filing the ITR on time, you can avoid penalties, interest or other consequences related to missing the deadlines. Make sure to register the right bank account when filing ITR to avoid any discrepancies and receive a refund seamlessly.
A DBS Bank account makes it easy to manage your funds digitally and access other banking services through your phone. With high savings account interest rates, your idle funds can keep growing safely.
Yes, you can file an ITR declaring zero taxable income (if it is below the exemption limits). It’s optional for individuals, it is useful for recordkeeping.
You can rectify mistakes in the Income Tax Returns via revised returns, rectification requests, or updated returns. This depends on timing and error type, to avoid penalties or demands.
To claim the refunds on ITR filed after the last day, taxpayers can file a belated return (up to 31st December of the assessment year). The processing of refunds can take 20 to 45 days, typically up to 6 months.
