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ITR filing 2026: Tax season often brings confusion around deadlines, and missing them can lead to  or unnecessary interest. For FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27), it is important to stay updated on key ITR filing due dates based on your taxpayer category.

Here's a simple breakdown of all major income tax deadlines you need to know. ITR filing deadlines for FY 2025-26 Individuals (Non-audit cases)

• Forms: ITR-1, ITR-2
• For salaried individuals, pensioners, and investors with no business income
• Due date: 31 July 2026

Business / Profession (Non-audit cases)

• Forms: ITR-3, ITR-4
• For freelancers, professionals, and small businesses not requiring audit
• Due date: 31 August 2026

Tax audit cases

• Forms: ITR-3, ITR-4
• For businesses or professionals requiring audit under tax laws
• Due date: 31 October 2026

Belated return

• All ITR forms
• For taxpayers who miss the original deadline
• Due date: 31 December 2026

Revised return

• All ITR forms
• To correct errors in a previously filed return
• Due date: 31 December 2026 (subject to extension/penalty rules up to 31 March 2027)

Updated return (ITR-U)

• For taxpayers who missed reporting income or need corrections under eligibility rules
• Up to 31 March 2031 (within 4 years from end of AY 2026-27)

FAQs Who should file ITR-1? Salaried individuals, pensioners, and taxpayers with income from salary, one house property, or interest. What happens if I miss the ITR deadline? You may need to file a belated return and could face penalties and interest on tax due. Can I revise my ITR after filing? Yes,  can file a revised return before the prescribed deadline to correct errors. What is ITR-U used for? ITR-U allows taxpayers to update income details for previous years, subject to eligibility conditions. For income earned in the current financial year (FY 2025-26), ITR will be filed using forms to be notified later under the Income Tax Act, 1961. For income earned in FY 2026-27, returns will be filed using forms to be notified under the Income Tax Act, 2025, which will be issued before April 1, 2027. FY 2026-27 will mark the first Tax Year under the Income Tax Act, 2025, covering the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced staggered ITR deadlines while presenting the Union Budget 2026 on 1 February. "It is proposed to provide a staggered timeline for the filing of tax returns due on the 31st of July. Individuals filing ITR 1 and ITR 2 shall continue to file tax returns by the 31st July, and for non-audit business cases or trusts, 31st August shall be the due date," said FM Sitharaman while presenting Union Budget 2026.