New Delhi, Aug 25: With the income tax return filing deadline approaching, the Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers with business or professional income who are not covered by tax audit requirements to complete their ITR filing by August 31, 2026, for Assessment Year 2026-27.
The department has asked eligible taxpayers to avoid waiting until the last day and complete the filing process through the income-tax e-filing portal.
The latest filing data shows that more than 2 crore ITR-3 and ITR-4 returns had been submitted by August 20. Overall, taxpayers had filed more than 6.5 crore income tax returns for AY 2026-27.
More than 5.9 crore ITR-1 and ITR-2 returns were filed by the earlier July 31 deadline, according to the department.
For taxpayers covered by the August 31 deadline, the applicable return form depends on their income and category. The forms include ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 and ITR-7.
ITR-3 is generally used by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families earning income from business or profession. Eligible taxpayers meeting prescribed conditions can use ITR-4 under the simplified tax-return framework.
ITR-5 applies to certain entities, including firms and Limited Liability Partnerships, while ITR-7 is applicable to specified trusts, charitable institutions and other entities required to file returns under relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act.
The department has encouraged taxpayers to complete their returns early to avoid a last-minute rush on the e-filing system. Taxpayers are also advised to carefully check their income and other details and select the appropriate ITR form before submitting their returns.
As the August 31 deadline draws closer, timely filing remains important for eligible non-audit taxpayers to complete their tax compliance for AY 2026-27.
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