CBDT Urges 12,000 Tax Professionals to File Pending Audit Reports by October 21, 2026

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has reached nearly 12,000 chartered accountants (CAs) and other tax professionals over pending tax audit reports for Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, as per news reports. 

The Income Tax Department has sent SMS and email reminders to professionals who have filed fewer than 50% of the tax audit reports they submitted in the previous financial year. The extended deadline for filing the reports is October 21, 2026. 

More Than 19.5 Lakh Reports Filed 

More than 19.5 lakh tax audit reports for AY 2026-27 have been filed so far. However, the department said a significant number of reports remain pending despite the extension. 

The original filing deadline was September 30, 2026. The latest reminders target professionals whose current-year filings are below half of their previous financial year's total. The department has asked them to complete the pending submissions before October 21, 2026. 

SAKSHAM NUDGE Covers Tax Professionals 

The CBDT has extended its SAKSHAM NUDGE initiative to tax professionals. The programme previously focused on taxpayers and uses data analytics to identify possible gaps in tax compliance. 

Under the initiative, the department sends SMS and email alerts to encourage taxpayers to correct reporting errors and complete pending filings. The expansion brings professionals involved in preparing and submitting tax audit reports within its scope. 

According to news reports, tax professionals play an important role in helping businesses and other specified taxpayers meet their audit requirements. 

Tax Audit Filing Requirements 

Under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act, 1961, specified businesses and professionals must have their accounts audited by a chartered accountant. 

Reports are submitted through the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal. Form 3CA applies to entities whose accounts are audited under another law, while Form 3CB applies to entities not audited under another law.  

Both forms are filed with Form 3CD, which contains details of business activities, accounting practices, and tax-related adjustments. 

Deadline Details  

The department's latest campaign focuses on completing pending tax audit filings before the revised deadline.  

With more than 19.5 lakh reports already submitted, reminders have been sent to professionals whose filing numbers remain below the specified threshold for AY 2026-27. 

Read More: UPI MDR Charges on Select Merchant Payments Deferred Until After Diwali, Says NPCI! 

Conclusion 

The CBDT has reached nearly 12,000 tax professionals over pending audit reports for AY 2026-27. The extended filing deadline is October 21, 2026. 

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