ITR filing deadline August 31: Over 7 crore returns filed, tax department says ‘be the tax hero who files on time’

More than 7 crore income-tax returns for Assessment Year 2026-27 have already been filed, but taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to tax audit have just a few days left to file their returns.

The income tax department has urged eligible taxpayers not to wait until the last minute, saying: “Be the tax hero who files on time.”

In a post on X, the tax department said August 31, 2026 is the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026-27 for taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to audit.

“Don't wait till the last minute. File your (non-audit) business or professional income ITR today,” the department said, urging eligible taxpayers to log in to the income-tax e-filing portal and file their returns.

Who needs to file ITR by August 31?

Depending on their income and circumstances, such taxpayers may need to file ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 or ITR-7.

However, August 31 is not the deadline for everyone. The applicable due date depends on the taxpayer's income, nature of income, the ITR form applicable to them and whether their accounts are subject to tax audit.

What happens if you miss the August 31 deadline?

If August 31 is your applicable due date and you fail to file your return on time, you can generally file a belated return, subject to the applicable provisions.

For AY 2026-27, a belated return can generally be filed until December 31, 2026, or before completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

If August 31, 2026 is your applicable deadline, check the correct ITR form, keep the required documents ready and file your return before the deadline.