CBDT extends ITR deadline to November 21 for taxpayers whose accounts need audit

There is relief for income tax return filers. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for taxpayers whose accounts must be audited. The date is important because returns filed after it can attract a penalty.

The earlier last date for these taxpayers to file their returns was October 31, 2026. Given the festival season and heavy workload, the CBDT has extended it by 21 days to November 21, 2026.

Who must file by November 21? Taxpayers who earn from business or professional services and are required to furnish an audit report must file their returns by November 21 to avoid penalty and tax notices.

This covers domestic and foreign companies. It also covers large businesses with an annual turnover of more than Rs 1 crore. Professionals such as doctors, chartered accountants, lawyers, architects and engineers are included as well, provided their total annual income exceeds Rs 50 lakh or, in select cases, Rs 75 lakh. The date has been extended for all of them.

The date does not apply to everyone. For salaried people and ordinary individual taxpayers who do not need an audit, the last date for filing ITR ended on July 31, 2026.

It also does not apply to small businessmen who avail of the presumptive taxation scheme under Section 44AD or 44ADA and have opted to stay out of audit.

Even if someone misses the November 21 deadline, a belated return can still be filed under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. According to the Income Tax Department, belated returns for assessment year 2026-27 can be filed until December 31, 2026, or before the assessment is completed, whichever is earlier.

But it will cost money. Under Section 234F, a late fee will be charged on returns filed after November 21. If your total annual taxable income is more than Rs 5 lakh, the fee will be Rs 5,000. If the annual income is Rs 5 lakh or less, the fee will be Rs 1,000.