ITR Filing Last Date for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26)

Filing your Income Tax Return on time is a simple way to stay financially disciplined and stress-free. Every year, many taxpayers miss the deadline due to confusion around dates, categories, or last-minute documentation. For FY 2025–26, it is important to clearly understand the ITR filing last date for AY 2026–27, along with the consequences of missing it.

Whether you are a salaried individual, freelancer, or small business owner, knowing the correct due date helps you avoid penalties, interest, and unnecessary follow-ups from the Income Tax Department.

ITR Filing Last Date for AY 2026–27

For most individual taxpayers who are not subject to tax audit, the income tax return last date for FY 2025–26 (AY 2026–27) is:

31 July 2026

Missing this ITR last date can lead to late filing fees and interest charges. However, if you miss the original deadline, the law still allows you to file a belated return within a specified time frame, which is explained later in this article.

ITR Filing Due Dates for Different Taxpayers

The due date to file ITR depends on the category of the taxpayer. The table below gives a clear overview of ITR filing due dates for AY 2026–27.

ITR Due Dates Table for FY 2025–26

Category of Taxpayer	Due Date
Individual, HUF, AOP, BOI not requiring audit	31 July 2026
Businesses requiring a tax audit	31 October 2026
Taxpayers with transfer pricing reports	30 November 2026
Belated return	31 December 2026
Revised return	31 December 2026
Updated return	31 March 2031

These are the standard ITR filing due dates, unless the government announces an extension.

Can the ITR Filing Deadline Be Extended

In some years, the government announces an income tax return due date extension due to technical issues or extraordinary circumstances. However, extensions are never guaranteed.

It is always advisable to plan your filing well before the income tax filing deadline instead of waiting for a possible extension.

What Happens If You Miss the Due Date for Filing the ITR?

Missing the last day to file income tax can lead to multiple consequences, both financial and practical.

Late Filing Fee

A late filing fee will be charged under Section 234F:

Total Income	Late Fee
Above ₹5 lakh	₹5,000
Up to ₹5 lakh	₹1,000

Interest on Tax Payable

Interest at 1 percent per month or part of a month is levied on the outstanding tax amount under Section 234A.

Loss of Carry Forward Benefits

If you miss the ITR filing last date, you may lose the chance to carry forward certain losses, such as:

• Capital losses
• Business losses

This can increase your tax burden in future years.

Filing ITR After the Due Date

If you miss the original income tax due date, you still have options.

Belated Return

A belated ITR can be filed until 31 December 2026 for AY 2026–27. However, late fees and interest will apply.

Updated Return

If both the original and belated deadlines are missed, an updated return can be filed up to 48 months from the end of the assessment year. For AY 2026–27, this means up to 31 March 2031.

Keep in mind that additional benefits or deductions cannot be claimed in an updated return.

What If You Made a Mistake in Your Filed ITR

Mistakes in filing are common and fixable.

Revised Return

If you have already filed your return but later realise an error, such as missed deductions or incorrect income reporting, you can file a revised return.

For FY 2025–26, the revised return due date is 31 December 2026.

Why Timely ITR Filing Matters Beyond Taxes

Timely filing isn't just about avoiding penalties. It also affects other financial areas.

• Faster loan approvals
• Easier visa processing
• Better financial credibility
• Smoother verification for financial services

Many people applying through an instant loan app or opting for an instant loan online are asked to submit recent ITR acknowledgements as proof of income and compliance. Platforms like Kissht may also rely on timely tax filings during verification, making punctual ITR filing an important habit.

Quick Snapshot: Key ITR Dates for AY 2026–27

Particular	Date
Original ITR filing deadline	31 July 2026
Belated ITR deadline	31 December 2026
Revised return deadline	31 December 2026
Updated return deadline	31 March 2031

This snapshot helps you quickly remember the most important income tax filing dates.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the ITR filing last date for AY 2026–27 helps you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties. Filing on time protects your financial reputation, keeps future opportunities open, and ensures smoother access to financial services. Mark the key dates early, gather your documents in advance, and make ITR filing a planned task rather than a last-minute rush.

FAQs

Q1. What is the ITR filing last date for AY 2026–27?

For individuals not subject to audit, the last date is 31 July 2026.

Q2. Can I file ITR after the due date?

Yes. You can file a belated ITR until 31 December 2026 with applicable penalties.

Q3. Is there any benefit to filing ITR early?

Yes. Early filing helps avoid errors, speeds up refunds, and improves financial credibility.

Q4. Can I revise my ITR after filing?

Yes. A revised return can be filed until 31 December 2026 if you discover errors.