India sets 2026 Income Tax Return deadlines: July 31 for ITR‑1/2, August 31 for ITR‑3/4

For assessment year 2026‑27, the Indian Income Tax Department has announced separate filing deadlines. Taxpayers filing ITR‑1 or ITR‑2 must submit returns by 31 July 2026, while those using ITR‑3 or ITR‑4 (non‑audit cases) have until 31 August 2026. Choosing a different form solely to gain extra time is not permitted; the form must match the taxpayer’s income sources.

Missing the applicable deadline triggers penalties under section 234F (₹1,000 – ₹5,000) and interest under section 234A (1 % per month). Late filing can also invalidate loss‑carry‑forward claims and delay refunds. An Updated Return (ITR‑U) can be filed within 48 months of the assessment year’s end, subject to additional tax of 25 %‑70 % depending on how late the filing is.

Tax experts advise filing promptly to avoid fees, interest, and potential disallowance of the return as defective or invalid.