Who gets the extension: taxpayers whose accounts must be audited — businesses and professionals under Section 44AB, companies, and partners of firms whose accounts are audited. Their ITR for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) is now due 21 November 2026, and the tax audit report (Form 3CA/3CB with 3CD) is due 21 October 2026.
Who does not: salaried individuals, pensioners and others who don't need an audit. Their original due date was 31 July 2026. If they missed it, a belated return can be filed until 31 December 2026 with a late fee under Section 234F of ₹5,000, or ₹1,000 if total income is ₹5 lakh or less.
A return filed after the due date (belated) generally cannot carry forward business or capital losses, so audit-case taxpayers should file within the extended 21 November date.
