ITR Deadlines Changed in Budget 2026: Your Return Form Now Decides the Due Date

Budget 2026 has changed the way income tax return (ITR) deadlines work. Instead of one common due date, the filing deadline will now depend on the ITR form a taxpayer uses. This change aims to reduce last-minute rush and make compliance easier.

No change for salaried taxpayers

If you are a salaried employee, pensioner, or an individual earning income from house property, capital gains, or dividends, and you file ITR-1 or ITR-2, your due date remains July 31. For this large group of taxpayers, nothing changes.

More time for small businesses and trusts

Professionals and business owners who are not required to get their accounts audited, along with trusts, will now get extra time. Their ITR filing deadline has been extended from July 31 to August 31, giving them one additional month to complete accounts and paperwork.

When will the new rules apply?

The revised ITR deadlines will apply from April 1, 2026, starting with the assessment year 2026–27. The changes will also be aligned with the existing Income-tax Act to ensure a smooth transition.

Big relief: Longer window to revise returns

Another major relief announced in Budget 2026 is extra time to revise ITRs. Earlier, revisions were allowed only till December 31. Now, taxpayers can revise their returns up to March 31 by paying a small fee. This helps fix mistakes without fear of penalties or notices.

Which ITR form is for whom?

There are currently 7 ITR forms. In simple terms:
ITR-1 is for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh.
ITR-2 is for individuals with capital gains or multiple properties.
ITR-3 and ITR-4 are for business and professional income.
ITR-5, 6, and 7 apply to firms, companies, and trusts.
These forms are being redesigned to make them simpler and clearer.

What this means for taxpayers

Taxpayers now need to first identify the correct ITR form, as the deadline depends on it. While salaried individuals see no change, small businesses and trusts get extra breathing space. The longer revision window also makes tax filing less stressful.

Read More: Union Budget 2026: Deadline for Revised ITR Filing Extended to March 31!

Conclusion

Although Budget 2026 did not offer tax slab relief, it has made ITR filing more flexible and taxpayer-friendly. With staggered deadlines and more time to correct mistakes, filing returns should now feel less rushed and easier to manage.

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