ITR Filing Deadline FY 2025-26: If you are an income tax payer, this news is relevant to you. It is worth noting that the deadline for filing income tax returns—July 31—has passed. According to income tax data, over 5.9 crore people had filed their income tax returns by July 31 for the financial year 2025-26.
The Income Tax Department thanked taxpayers across the country via its social media platforms for paying their taxes. However, many people did not file their returns by July 31 because that deadline did not apply to everyone; some are eligible to file until October 31. Deadlines for filing income tax returns vary based on the source of income and the taxpayer category.
For whom was July 31 the deadline?
The July 31 deadline primarily applied to taxpayers whose accounts did not require an audit. This category includes salaried employees and pensioners, as well as individuals earning income from house rent, interest, or capital gains. The July 31 date was mainly for taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 forms.
Those who filed ITR by August 31
Taxpayers whose income originated from business or a profession—rather than a salary—faced a different deadline. This group included taxpayers earning income through business, freelancing, consultancy, or a profession, provided their accounts did not require a mandatory audit. They filed their income tax returns by August 31. These individuals typically use ITR-3 or ITR-4 forms.
Who got the October 31 deadline?
The October 31 deadline applies to taxpayers—such as businessmen, companies, or professionals—whose accounts are legally required to undergo a tax audit. The deadline for filing income tax returns for these individuals has been set for October 31. However, such taxpayers need not worry about the passing of the July 31 deadline; they can comfortably file their income tax returns by October 31, 2026.