ITR Filing Deadline for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27): What You Need to Know

For most individuals and HUFs whose accounts don’t require an audit, the income tax return for FY 2025-26 (Assessment Year 2026-27) is due by 31 July 2026. Taxpayers whose accounts require an audit — most businesses and professionals above the prescribed turnover — have until 31 October 2026, and cases involving transfer pricing reports get until 30 November 2026.

The government has extended the July deadline in several recent years, but that extension isn’t guaranteed, and interest under Section 234A starts accruing from 1 August on any tax still unpaid. Treat 31 July as the real deadline and file early rather than waiting on a possible extension.

Documents to keep ready

• Form 16 from your employer (salaried individuals)
• Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS) — cross-check both against your own records
• Bank statements and interest certificates from all accounts
• Capital gains statements from brokers/mutual fund houses, if applicable
• Proof of deductions claimed — 80C investments, health insurance premiums, home loan interest certificate
• Details of any foreign assets or income, if applicable

What late filing actually costs you

A belated return filed after the due date but before 31 December 2026 attracts a late fee under Section 234F — ₹1,000 if your total income is up to ₹5 lakh, and ₹5,000 above that. Beyond the late fee, you also lose the ability to carry forward most losses (other than house property loss) to future years, and any refund due to you is delayed.

Before you file, it’s worth checking whether the old or new tax regime works out cheaper for your specific income mix — we’ve covered that comparison separately. If you’d rather not work through Form 26AS, AIS, and regime selection on your own, get in touch and we’ll handle the filing end to end.