Extended ITR Filing Deadline for F&O and Intraday Traders

If you trade in futures and options (F&O) or do intraday trading in India, you have a different deadline to file your income tax return (ITR) compared to regular salaried people.

Normally, most people need to file their ITR by July 31, but traders have until August 31, 2026, if they don't need a tax audit, or October 31, 2026, if they do.

This is because the government sees trading as a business.

F&O trading is treated differently from intraday trading when it comes to taxes and how losses can be adjusted.

F&O losses can be used to reduce other types of income and can be carried forward for up to eight years, while intraday losses can only be used against other speculative income and carried forward for up to four years.

Traders might also need to keep detailed records of their transactions if their income or turnover is high.