The main date to remember: 31 July 2026 for most individuals. But there are other deadlines that matter too. Here are all of them for AY 2026-27, in plain terms.
Always confirm dates on incometax.gov.in. The government sometimes extends deadlines, and any extension is announced there.
Key dates at a glance
| Deadline | Date (AY 2026-27) | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Original ITR (non-audit) | 31 July 2026 | Most individuals, salaried |
| ITR where audit applies | 31 October 2026 | Businesses needing audit |
| Belated / revised return | 31 December 2026 | Anyone who missed or needs to correct |
These are the standard dates and can be extended by the government. Confirm the current position on the official portal before relying on any date.
Who has which deadline
- Salaried individuals and most taxpayers not requiring an audit: 31 July 2026. This is the deadline that applies to the large majority of filers.
- Businesses and professionals requiring a tax audit: 31 October 2026, with the audit report due earlier.
- Anyone filing late or correcting a return: 31 December 2026 for belated and revised returns.
If you are a salaried employee, focus on 31 July 2026.
Belated and revised returns
- Belated return: If you miss 31 July, you can still file until 31 December 2026, with a late fee. See our guide for anyone who forgot to file ITR.
- Revised return: If you filed but made a mistake, you can revise it until 31 December 2026 at no extra fee for the revision itself.
Both give you a safety net, but the belated route costs a late fee and loses some benefits, so filing on time is always better.
What happens if you miss it
Filing after 31 July can mean:
- A late fee under Section 234F, commonly up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 for lower incomes).
- Interest under Section 234A on unpaid tax.
- Loss of the ability to carry forward certain losses.
- Delayed refunds.
For the full detail on fixing a missed deadline, see forgot to file ITR and the breakdown of ITR filing cost.
File before the rush
The portal and paid platforms slow down in the final days before 31 July as millions file at once. Prices on paid platforms also tend to rise near the deadline. Filing a week or two early means a smoother experience and often a lower cost.
If your documents are ready, you can file in under an hour. See our step-by-step guide to file ITR online.
Ready to file now? If a platform suits your return, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2026-27?
For most individuals not requiring an audit, 31 July 2026. Businesses requiring an audit have until 31 October 2026. Confirm on incometax.gov.in, as extensions are sometimes announced.
Can I file after 31 July?
Yes, as a belated return until 31 December 2026, with a late fee and interest on any unpaid tax.
What is the deadline to revise my return?
You can file a revised return until 31 December 2026 if you filed on time but made an error.
Will the deadline be extended?
Sometimes it is, but do not count on it. Any extension is announced on the official portal. File as if 31 July is firm.
What is the penalty for missing the deadline?
A late fee under Section 234F (up to ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 for lower incomes) plus interest on unpaid tax. You also lose some benefits like carrying forward certain losses.
