Today, July 31, 2026 is the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for eligible taxpayers across India. The window is set to close today at 11:59 pm and here are all the details which you need to know.
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Why is it advised not to wait for long?
The deadline applies for individuals filing ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-2, as well as non-audit non-business taxpayers filing ITR-5 and ITR-7. Tax experts recommend completing the filing process as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues , payment failures or delays in e-verification, since the department typically witnesses a surge in return filings on the last day, which leads to heavy traffic.
Taxpayers are advised to verify their personal details, income disclosures, deductions, tax payments, bank account information and selection of ITR forms before submitting their returns.
Moreover, taxpayers must also check whether their returns have been e-verified through Aadhaar OTP, net banking or other approved modes.
Returns that are not verified within the prescribed time may be treated as invalid.
Also Read | ITR filing 2026: When will it begin? Key deadlines taxpayers must know
Exceptions
Every taxpayer does not have the July 31 deadline.
Taxpayers with business or professional income not requiring a tax audit have a deadline of August 31, 2026 and those whose accounts require a tax audit can file their returns, without late-filing consequences, by October 31, 2026.
FAQs
1) Which category of taxpayers have their ITR filing deadline of July 31, 2026?
Taxpayers filing ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-2, as well as non-audit non-business taxpayers filing ITR-5 and ITR-7 have a deadline of July 31, 2026.
2) Who are the exceptions with a different deadline?
Taxpayers with business or professional income not requiring a tax audit have a deadline of August 31, 2026 and those whose accounts require a tax audit can file their returns, without late-filing consequences, by October 31, 2026.