Missing the ITR filing deadline could result in a cost of ₹5,000 per person.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the ITR filing deadline from October 31 to November 21, 2026, for taxpayers who are required to submit an audit report.

The CBDT has provided this extension for taxpayers for whom a tax audit is mandatory. Adhering to this deadline is crucial; filing a return after this date will attract significant penalties and fees.

Previously, the deadline for these taxpayers was October 31, 2026. Taking into account the festive season and a heavy workload, the CBDT has extended this date by 21 days to November 21, 2026.

Who is required to file their ITR by November 21?

Taxpayers whose income is derived from business or professional services—and for whom the submission of an audit report is mandatory—must file their returns by November 21 to avoid penalties. This category includes businesses with a turnover exceeding ₹1 crore, as well as professionals such as doctors, Chartered Accountants (CAs), lawyers, architects, and engineers whose gross receipts exceed ₹50 lakh (or, in certain specific cases, ₹75 lakh).

Who is not covered by this extended deadline?

For salaried individuals and general taxpayers—those who are not required to submit an audit report—the deadline for filing their ITR was July 31, 2026. Furthermore, this deadline does not apply to small businesses that opt ​​for the presumptive taxation scheme under Section 44AD or 44ADA of the Income Tax Act.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

If you fail to meet the November 21 deadline, you still have the option to file a 'belated return' under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. For the assessment year 2026-27, the Income Tax Department allows such returns to be filed by December 31, 2026, or before the completion of the assessment—whichever is earlier.

However, under Section 234F of the Act, filing a return after November 21 will attract a mandatory late fee. If your total income exceeds ₹5 lakh, the late fee will be ₹5,000. If your annual income is ₹5 lakh or less, the late fee will be ₹1,000.