ITR Filing Deadline: The deadline for filing ITR has changed! A new calendar is out for the salaried class and business owners..

Income Tax Return Dates AY 2026-27: If, like every year, you are assuming that the deadline for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is July 31st, please take a moment. The Income Tax Department has made significant changes to the deadlines for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27.

Following the changes introduced in the 2026 Budget, there will no longer be a single universal deadline of July 31st for everyone. Your specific deadline will now depend on the ITR form you are required to file. Let us understand these changes to the tax calendar so you can avoid hefty penalties and financial losses.

Major Change: Deadlines to Vary Based on the Form

The government has differentiated the deadlines for salaried individuals and the business/professional class, as follows:

Salaried Class and Pensioners (ITR-1 and ITR-2): For salaried individuals, pensioners, and investors whose income is derived from salary, capital gains, interest, or one or two house properties, the deadline remains July 31, 2026. There is no change for this category.

Small Business Owners and Professionals (ITR-3 and ITR-4 – Non-Audit Cases): The government has provided significant relief to freelancers, consultants, doctors, lawyers, small shopkeepers, and those opting for presumptive taxation. These individuals can now file their ITR by August 31, 2026. They have been granted an extra month for bookkeeping and reconciliation.

Cases Requiring Tax Audit: