AY 2026-27 ITR Filing: August 31, 2026, Deadline Today for Eligible Non-Audit Taxpayers

The window for filing AY 2026-27 income tax returns within the original due date closes on August 31, 2026, for taxpayers in the non-audit category, as per a Live Mint news report. About 7 crore returns had been filed, the Income Tax Department said. 

The date applies to eligible people with business or professional income where an audit of accounts is not required. Those who miss the deadline can still file later, but under the rules for belated returns. 

Filing After the Due Date 

Those unable to file by August 31 can submit a belated return later under Section 139(4). The deadline for AY 2026-27 is December 31, 2026, unless the assessment is completed earlier. 

Late filing comes with a fee under Section 234F. It is ₹1,000 where total income is up to ₹5 lakh and ₹5,000 for taxpayers falling above that threshold. 

Interest may also be charged if any tax remains unpaid. The final amount would depend on the tax liability and the delay in filing the return. 

Carry-Forward of Losses 

The original filing deadline is also important for taxpayers reporting losses. The Income Tax Department says certain losses can be carried forward only if the return is filed within the prescribed due date under Section 139(1). 

This includes capital losses and business losses. A delayed return can therefore affect the ability to carry these losses forward to future years. 

Who Falls Under This Deadline? 

Those filing ITR-3 and ITR-4 are among taxpayers required to meet the August 31 deadline. ITR-3 applies to individuals and HUFs earning business or professional income and not eligible for the other specified forms. 

ITR-4, known as Sugam, can be used by eligible resident individuals, HUFs and non-LLP firms with income of up to ₹50 lakh under presumptive taxation. 

Forms Under Presumptive Taxation 

The relevant provisions include Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE, subject to the conditions prescribed by the department.  

Taxpayers who have not filed by August 31 can still submit their returns later, though the applicable fee, interest and rules on carrying forward losses may come into play. 

Read More: EPFO Pension: Understanding the Impact of Exit Date Errors! 

Conclusion  

While returns can still be filed after August 31,2026, delayed filing may involve a late fee, interest on unpaid tax and restrictions on carrying forward specified losses. 

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