Archive · 29 Jul 2026
ITR Filing Deadline: Why AY 2026-27 May Not Get Extension
The deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2026-27 is approaching.
Many taxpayers are hoping for an extension, as the government has extended deadlines four times in the past five years due to various reasons like the pandemic and technical issues.
However, this year, the government and tax experts are urging taxpayers to file on time.
As of 29 July, over 4.3 crore ITRs have been filed, with 4.1 crore verified and 2.4 crore processed.
The government has already extended the deadline for business and professional income filings to 31 August and has released forms on time, reducing the need for further extensions.
Missing the deadline can result in late filing fees and interest on unpaid taxes.
The deadline for filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for AY 2026-27 is 31 July.
The government has extended ITR deadlines four times in the past five years.
This year, the government and experts are urging taxpayers to file on time.
As of 29 July, over 4.3 crore ITRs have been filed, with 4.1 crore verified and 2.4 crore processed.
Missing the deadline results in late filing fees and interest on unpaid taxes.
- Who
- Taxpayers, Income Tax Department, Government
- What
- Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for AY 2026-27
- When
- Deadline is 31 July
- Where
- India
- Why
- To comply with income tax regulations and avoid penalties
Taxpayers Expecting Extension
Government and Experts Against Extension
Precedent of Extensions
Taxpayers Expecting Extension
Taxpayers expect an extension based on the four extensions given in the past five years.
Government and Experts Against Extension
The government and experts argue that this year is different and extensions are not guaranteed.
Technical Issues and Form Changes
Taxpayers Expecting Extension
Taxpayers point to past technical issues and form changes as reasons for potential extensions.
Government and Experts Against Extension
The government has already released forms on time and processed a significant number of returns, reducing the need for an extension.
- Current Deadline for ITR-1 and ITR-2
- 31 July
- Late Filing Fee for Income > ₹5 lakh
- ₹5,000
- Late Filing Fee for Income ≤ ₹5 lakh
- ₹1,000
- Interest on Unpaid Tax
- 1% per month
- Number of ITRs Filed by 29 July
- 4.3 crore
- Number of Verified ITRs by 29 July
- 4.1 crore
- Number of Processed Returns by 29 July
- 2.4 crore