More than 7 crore income tax returns have already been filed for Assessment Year 2026-27, reflecting strong participation from taxpayers ahead of the deadline.
Taxpayers earning business or professional income are required to file ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5 or ITR-7 by August 31, 2026. With only a few days remaining, the Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to complete their filing without delay.
Taking to social media platform X, the Income Tax Department posted, “Over 7 Crore ITRs have already been filed for A.Y. 2026-27! 31 August 2026 is the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2026–27 for taxpayers with business or professional income who are not subject to audit.”
Taxpayers eligible to file ITR-1 or ITR-2, meanwhile, had an earlier deadline of July 31, 2026.
Below is a quick guide to the ITR forms applicable to different categories of taxpayers.
Who should file ITR-3?
ITR-3 is meant for business owners, traders and professionals, as well as taxpayers with business or professional income who are not covered under presumptive taxation. Individuals engaged in futures and options (F&O) trading may also be required to file this form.
Who should file ITR-4?
Eligible resident individuals, HUFs and firms (excluding LLPs) who have opted for presumptive taxation on business or professional income under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE can file ITR-4.
Who should file ITR-5?
ITR-5 applies to firms, LLPs, AOPs, BOIs, artificial juridical persons and certain other entities that are required to report their income and financial details to the tax department.
Who should file ITR-7?
ITR-7 is meant for specified entities such as charitable or religious trusts, political parties, research associations and certain other institutions, as mandated under the Income Tax Act.
Taxpayers have been advised not to delay their filing, as last-minute submissions could lead to avoidable stress closer to the deadline. They are encouraged to carefully review their income details, deductions and tax information before submitting their returns, and to complete the process well ahead of August 31.
