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IT Department Issues Alert: File ITR Before August 31 to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

Siddhi Jain | August 22, 2026 11:15 PM CST

If you need to file your ITR by August 31, do not delay. Find out which ITR form is suitable for those earning from business or a profession and what precautions to take.

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is fast approaching. Over 6.5 crore ITRs have already been filed for the Assessment Year 2026-27. According to the Income Tax Department, more than 2 crore returns under ITR-3 and ITR-4 had been submitted by August 20.

If you earn income from a business or profession and your case falls under the non-audit category, it is mandatory to file your ITR by August 31, 2026. The department has urged taxpayers not to wait until the last day.

Who is the August 31 deadline for?

The Income Tax Department has clarified that August 31, 2026, is the deadline for taxpayers whose cases do not require an audit. Individuals earning from business or a profession, in particular, must select the correct ITR form and submit their returns on time. The department has advised those filing ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, and ITR-7 to avoid the last-minute rush. Meanwhile, a different deadline applies to taxpayers whose accounts require an audit.

Who needs to file ITR-3 and ITR-4?

If you earn income from a business or profession, exercising great care regarding the form selection is essential. Choosing the wrong form can lead to complications.

ITR Form	Who Can Use It
ITR-3	Individuals and HUFs with income from business or profession who are not eligible to file ITR-1, ITR-2, or ITR-4
ITR-4 (Sugam)	Eligible resident individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLPs) with total income up to ₹50 lakh who opt for presumptive taxation under specified conditions
ITR-5	Entities such as firms, LLPs, Associations of Persons (AOPs), and Bodies of Individuals (BOIs)
ITR-7	Certain trusts, political parties, and other entities required to file returns under specified provisions of law

Note: ITR-3 may include income from salary or pension, house property, business or profession, capital gains, and other sources.

Why shouldn't you wait for the last day?

With over 6.5 crore returns already filed, the portal may face heavy traffic during the final days. Additionally, errors in documents, the selection of an incorrect form, or technical glitches could leave you with insufficient time. Therefore, it is advisable to file your return early. It is also essential to complete the verification process after filing. Simply submitting the ITR does not constitute the entire process.