Budget 2026: Will the August 31 ITR Deadline Apply to Everyone?
The Union Budget 2026–27 introduced an updated timeline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR), moving away from a single uniform deadline to staggered due dates depending on the type of taxpayer and the ITR form filed.Under the new rules:📅 1. Salaried Individuals & Simple Income FilersFor most individuals — including salaried employees, pensioners, people with income from capital gains, house property, or dividends — the deadline remains July 31. These taxpayers generally file ITR‑1 or ITR‑2, and their due date has not changed even after the 2026 budget reforms.📅 2. Non‑Audit business Taxpayers & TrustsTaxpayers whose income comes from business or profession but are not required to get their accounts audited under the Income Tax Act now get extra time. For them, and for trusts that must file returns, the deadline has been extended to August 31.🔹 Non‑audit business cases refer to business owners or professionals whose turnover is below audit thresholds (such as under presumptive taxation limits), so they are exempt from formal audit requirements. The extension recognizes the extra time such taxpayers may need to prepare their books and complete filings.🧾 What This Means Practically· If you are a salary earner or individual without audit obligations and your income qualifies for ITR‑1 or ITR‑2 filing, your due date stays July 31.· If you run a non‑audit business or are filing on behalf of a trust, you now have time until August 31 to submit returns for Assessment Year 2026‑27 and beyond.These changes are effective from the new tax year starting April 1, 2026, and are part of broader reforms that also restructure ITR forms and revise return timelines under the incoming Income Tax Act, 2025.The staggered deadlines aim to ease pressure on taxpayers and tax administration systems, reduce last‑minute rushes near the July 31 cutoff, and allow more breathing room without changing the overall compliance burden for salaried individuals. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.