Income tax return deadline set for August 31 for non-audit taxpayers

The deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for certain taxpayers is August 31. This deadline primarily applies to individuals with income from a business or profession, such as freelancers, consultants, and self-employed professionals, whose accounts are not subject to a mandatory tax audit.

Taxpayers using the presumptive taxation scheme may also fall under this deadline. Those requiring a tax audit generally have until October 31, 2026, to file their returns, with the Tax Audit Report due by September 30, 2026.

For those who miss the August 31 deadline, a belated return can be filed by December 31, 2026, though late-filing fees may apply under Section 234F. Fees are typically Rs 5,000 for those with income above Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1,000 for those below that threshold. Missing the deadline does not prevent a taxpayer from claiming an eligible refund, provided the return is filed and verified within the permitted period.