The last date to file income tax returns for non-audit taxpayers with business or professional income is August 31, 2026 for Assessment Year 2026-27. If you file ITR-3 or ITR-4, this is the deadline you cannot afford to miss. Salaried filers using ITR-1 and ITR-2 already had their due date on July 31, 2026.
Who Must File by August 31
The August 31 deadline applies to individuals, HUFs and firms whose accounts do not require an audit but who earn business or professional income. This includes freelancers, self-employed professionals, small traders and those opting for the presumptive taxation scheme.
- ITR-3: For individuals or HUFs with business or professional income who do not opt for presumptive taxation. It also applies if you maintain regular books of account, have total income above Rs 50 lakh, or engage in F&O (futures and options) trading.
- ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs or firms opting for presumptive taxation of business or professional income, with total income up to Rs 50 lakh.
Filing Progress So Far
According to figures cited from the income tax portal, more than 7 crore income tax returns had been filed ahead of the August 31 deadline for ITR-3, 4, 5 and 7. By the earlier July 31 cut-off, over 6.5 crore returns (ITR-1, 2 and more than 2 crore ITR-3 and 4) were already completed, covering salaried individuals, pensioners, students with income and those with capital gains or multiple income sources.
How to File on the e-Filing Portal
Returns can be filed on the official Income Tax e-filing portal at eportal.incometax.gov.in. The basic steps are:
- Log in using your PAN and password.
- Select the correct ITR form (ITR-3 or ITR-4, as applicable).
- Verify your income and deduction details. If filing under the old tax regime, confirm your deductions.
- Pay any tax due through the portal.
- Submit the return and complete e-verification.
The portal offers pre-filled data pulled from Form 16, the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and the Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), which reduces manual entry. You can also engage a Chartered Accountant or an authorised representative to file on your behalf.
Documents to Keep Ready
Before you start, keep the following handy so the process is smooth:
- Form 26AS, AIS and TIS
- Form 16 and Form 16A
- Bank passbooks and statements
- Advance tax and self-assessment tax challans
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
Filing after August 31 means a belated return, which can attract a late fee under Section 234F and interest on any unpaid tax. You may also lose the ability to carry forward certain losses. Filing on time and completing e-verification is the safest route to avoid penalties.
If you have business or professional income and have not filed yet, log in to the e-filing portal, pick the correct form and complete your return before the August 31, 2026 deadline. Always cross-check figures against your AIS and Form 26AS before submitting.