Taxpayers earning income from business or profession must meet two key deadlines under Indian tax rules: the tax audit report and the income tax return (ITR).
Tax audit report deadline for 2026
For the assessment year 2026-27, the tax audit report under section 44AB must be furnished by September 30, 2026. The report is submitted along with Form 3CA/3CB and Form 3CD, and penalties may apply for late submission.
Who must file the tax audit report?
- A taxpayer carrying on business or profession who is required to have their accounts audited under section 44AB.
- In such cases, the audit report is typically prepared by a chartered accountant and submitted to the tax department along with the relevant audit forms (3CA/3CB and 3CD).
ITR filing deadline for these taxpayers
In addition to the audit requirements, the last date to file the income tax return (ITR) for these taxpayers is generally at the end of October of the assessment year. For AY 2026-27, the ITR due date is commonly October 31, 2026, although the income tax department may extend deadlines in response to exceptional circumstances. Always verify the latest official notification or portal guidance.
Key considerations
- Non-compliance with tax audit or ITR deadlines can invite penalties and interest.
- Timely submission supports smoother processing of tax refunds and the carry-forward of losses.
- Check whether you fall under audit thresholds and confirm the applicable due dates for your specific situation.