ITR Filing Deadline for Audit Cases (Companies, LLPs & Large Businesses)

Under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act, the deadline to file the Income Tax Return (ITR-3, ITR-5, ITR-6, or ITR-7) is October 31st of the assessment year for taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited.

Important Considerations for Audit Cases:

1. Tax Audit Report Pre-requisite: The statutory Tax Audit Report (such as Form 3CA-3CD or 3CB-3CD) or Trust Audit Report (Form 10B/10BB) must be furnished electronically at least one month prior to this ITR filing deadline (i.e., by September 30, 2026). 2. Penalties for Delay: Failing to file the ITR by October 31st attracts a late filing fee of ₹5,000 under Section 234F. Furthermore, late payment of tax will attract penal interest under Section 234A. 3. Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits: Filing a belated return permanently restricts the entity's ability to carry forward business losses, unabsorbed depreciation, and capital losses to subsequent financial years.