Not stated in the document
Who is affected
Practical implications
Action required
What has changed
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended two deadlines for Assessment Year 2026-27 (Previous Year 2025-26):
| Earlier due date | New due date | |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Return (ITR) | 31 October 2026 | 21 November 2026 |
| Tax audit report (section 44AB) | — | 21 October 2026 |
In the circular's words, the due date for the return is extended "from 31.10.2026 to 21.11.2026", and "the specified date for furnishing of report of audit ... shall stand extended to 21.10.2026".
Who is affected
The extension applies to the persons listed at serial no. 2 of the table below Explanation 2 to section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. That is the category whose return was due on 31 October 2026, which generally covers taxpayers whose accounts must be audited.
If your return or tax audit was due by 31 October 2026, check whether you fall in this category. Taxpayers with other due dates are not covered by this circular.
Effective date
The circular is dated 28 September 2026 and applies to the AY 2026-27 filings listed above.
Action required
- File the tax audit report by 21 October 2026.
- File the Income Tax Return for AY 2026-27 by 21 November 2026.
- Contact ArthaKara if you are unsure whether the extension applies to you.
Official source
CBDT Circular No. 07/2026 (F. No. 225/128/2026/ITA-II), Central Board of Direct Taxes, Ministry of Finance, dated 28 September 2026. Issued under section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 read with section 536 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.