All the business entities involved in the business of India are liable for to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) on time under the provisions of Income-tax Act,1961.
The Income Tax Return filing deadline is different for each eligible taxpayer type, and is influenced by whether the accounts of that person need verification under Section 44AB, or if any Transfer Pricing provisions are applicable under Section 92E.
This article covers “Latest Income Tax Return Due Dates For Companies for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26)”.
Income Tax return (ITR): What is ITR
The Return of Income Tax (ITR) is a legislated document that assists taxpayers in providing information about their earnings, expenditures, reliefs, taxes paid and tax dues to the Income Tax Department for a certain financial year.
Filing ITR form (Income Tax Return for individuals and business) Form and etc for businesses is mandatory.
Legal Framework for ITR Filing
The process of filing the Income Tax Return is governed by:
• Section 139 of Income-tax Act, 1961
• Section 44AB – Tax Audit
• Section 92E – Report by the Accountant in respect of international and specified domestic transactions
• Income-tax Rules, 1962
• Notifications and Circulars from Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
Who Must File an Income Tax Return?
The following businesses have to file Income Tax Return:
- Proprietorship Businesses
- Partnership Firms
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Private Limited Companies
- One Person Companies (OPCs)
- Public Limited Companies
- Trusts and other entities required under the Income-tax Act
Due Date for Filing Income Tax Return for Businesses
| Category of Taxpayer | Forms | Due Date |
| Individuals & HUF | ITR-1, ITR-2, Non- Audit | 31 July 2026 |
| LLP (Where tax audit is not applicable) | ITR-5 | 31 July 2026 |
| Individuals / Proprietorship with business or professional income | ITR-3, ITR-4, non-audit | 31 August 2026 |
| Tax Audit Report | Form 3CD | 30 September 2026 |
| Audit Cases | ITR-3/ITR-5/ ITR-6/ITR-7/ITR-8/ITR-9 requiring audit) | 31 October 2026 |
Note: It is informed that the above dates of filing shall be applicable for AY 2026-27 only, unless further extended by the CBDT through the notification.
Due Date for Tax Audit Report
The Tax Audit Report must be filed in electronic form prior to the Income Tax Return filing, as per Section 44AB, if the company is responsible for tax audit.
Documents Required for ITR Filing
To file an income tax return, you need to prepare the following documents:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar (where applicable)
- Financial Statements
- Profit & Loss Account
- Balance Sheet
- Bank Statements
- GST Returns (if applicable)
- Form 26AS
- Annual Information Statement (AIS)
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Certificates
- Tax Audit Report (if applicable)
- Investment and deduction proofs
Steps Involved in Filing an Income Tax Return
Step 1: Gather Financial Records
Collect all financial statements, GST documents, and bank statements.
Step 2: Determine the Applicable ITR Form
Select the correct ITR form based on the nature and constitution of the business.
Step 3: Reconciliation of Income and Tax
Ensure that the income, TDS, advance tax, Form 26AS, and AIS are verified before filing the return.
Step 4: Filing the Income Tax Return
File the return online via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal with the help of DSC/EVC.
Step 5: Verify the Return
This is the final step of verifying the return filing process.
Penalties for Not Filing ITR On Time
Failing to submit the Income Tax Return within the specified due date may entail:
- Late filing fee under Section 234F
- Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C
- Loss of the benefit of carrying forward certain business losses
- Notices from the Income Tax Department
- Delay in processing refunds
Advantages of Filing ITR on Time
- Avoids penalties and interest.
- Ensures smooth tax compliance.
- Helps carry forward eligible business losses.
- Improves financial credibility.
- Facilitates loan and credit approvals.
- Enables quicker processing of tax refunds.
Mistakes to be avoided
- Missing the applicable due date.
- Filing the incorrect ITR form.
- Not reconciling AIS and Form 26AS.
- Ignoring tax audit requirements.
- Reporting incorrect income or deductions.
- Delaying payment of self-assessment tax.
Why to choose My Legal Business LLP?
At My Legal Business LLP, we provide comprehensive income tax compliance services for businesses across India.
Our services include:
- Income Tax Return Filing
- Business Tax Planning
- Tax Audit Assistance
- TDS Compliance
- Advance Tax Advisory
- Income Tax Notice Handling
- ITR Revision and Rectification
- End-to-End Business Tax Compliance
Our experienced team ensure timely filing and complete compliance with the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the latest CBDT notifications.
Conclusion
It is a mandatory compliance requirement that every business in India must file the Income Tax Return (ITR) on the respective due dates. The due dates differ based on whether the business is under the ambit of tax audit or transfer pricing. The timely filing of returns ensures that businesses are not penalized and are able to benefit from various tax incentives and loss carry forwards, amongst other things. Businesses need to continuously keep themselves updated regarding any notifications issued by the CBDT regarding the due dates and provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.In which section Return of Income is covered?
Filing of Income Tax Return is governed mainly by section 139 of Income Tax Act, 1961.
2. Which is the due date for entities not mandating a tax audit?
The last date for filing ITR for non-audit cases for AY 2026-27 will be 31st August, 2026 subject to further extension, if any, to be notified by the Government.
3. What is the due date in case audit is mandatory?
In general, the entities to whom section 44AB applies are required to file ITR by 31 October 2026.
4. What is the due date of transfer pricing cases?
Entities mandating to provide the report under Section 92E will have to file Income Tax Return generally before 30 November 2026.
5. Are companies required to file an Income Tax Return?
Yes. The filing of Income Tax Return is compulsory for every company whether it is earning profits or loss from the day of its incorporation in India.
6. Consequences for delay in filing ITR?
There might be late filing charges as per section 234F, interest on tax dues, and certain losses cannot be carried forward.
7.Do all companies have to undergo tax audit?
No, Tax Audit is to be conducted only when certain conditions stipulated under section 44AB of Income-tax Act, 1961 are satisfied.
8. Can a belated ITR be submitted?
Yes, A belated return can be filed in case it satisfies the conditions prescribed under sec 139(4).
9. Can the Government of India defer the ITR deadlines?
Yes, the Government of India through its CBDT can defer the deadlines by publishing a notification.
10. Why do companies have to submit ITR on or before the deadline?
Timely filing of ITR saves from penalty and interest, allows you to carry forward losses and enhance your credibility.
ALSO READ
Extensive Income Tax Changes from 1 April 2026
Tax Saving Through Private Limited Company in India
Tax Benefits of a Private Limited Company in India
Section 8 Company Tax Benefits in India Guide
How To Close Nidhi Company Step By Step Guide
Difference Between Nidhi Company vs Section 8 Micro Finance Company
