ITR Update: Is the ITR filing deadline September 15 this year too, or has it changed? What happens if you miss it?

The process of filing income tax returns has begun. With the Income Tax Department notifying the ITR forms, the rush among taxpayers to file their returns has also started. Companies have already begun issuing Form 16 to their employees, signaling that the race to file returns is now fully underway. However, a question inevitably arises in the minds of taxpayers: what complications might arise if they miss the deadline set by the Income Tax Department? Another crucial point is knowing exactly what the filing deadline is this time around.

Last year, the government extended the ITR filing deadline to September. Consequently, many taxpayers are wondering whether the deadline remains the same this year or has changed. If you are a salaried employee, make a mental note that your deadline for filing the ITR is July 31. Do not make the mistake of assuming the deadline is in September. Furthermore, failing to file your ITR by the deadline can lead to various adverse consequences.

**What is the ITR filing deadline?**

For general taxpayers, salaried individuals, and HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families), the deadline for filing returns is July 31, 2026.

For businessmen and professionals whose accounts do not require an audit, the ITR deadline is August 31, 2026.

Businessmen and professionals whose accounts require an audit can file their returns by October 31.

Taxpayers covered under transfer pricing regulations can file their returns by November 30, 2026.

If you miss the standard deadline, you can still file your ITR until December 31, 2026, subject to a late filing fee. What to do if you miss the deadline
If you are a salaried individual or filing an ITR as a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), you should keep the July 31 deadline in mind. If you miss this deadline, you can file a 'belated return' under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. You will have to pay a late fee for filing the return after the deadline. The Income Tax Department has fixed a late fee of ₹1,000 for annual income up to ₹5 lakh, while a late fee of ₹5,000 is levied on income exceeding ₹5 lakh.

Consequences of missing the deadline
If you miss the standard deadline for filing your income tax return, interest may be charged on outstanding tax dues under Section 234A. The Income Tax Department may refuse to allow the carry-forward of losses. Furthermore, the processing of your refund could be delayed. While you will still receive a refund for a late-filed return, you may lose out on the interest that would have accrued on that refund. If you file the ITR after December 31, you lose the right to claim a refund. To address this, you would need to apply to the tax authorities under Section 119(2)(b) to have the delay condoned; it is then up to them whether or not to accept your request.

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