ITR Filing For AY 26: CBDT Extends ITR And Audit Deadlines To December 10

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadlines for filing income tax returns (ITRs) and audit reports for Assessment Year (AY) 26, i.e., financial year (FY) 25, according to a recent press release by CBDT. The announcement, made on October 29, 2025, comes as taxpayers face technical problems on the e-filing portal amid the busy festive season.

Businesses with turnover above Rs 1 crore and professionals earning over Rs 50 lakh, who must undergo tax audits under Section 44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961, now have until December 10, 2025, to submit their ITRs. Audit reports must be filed by November 10, 2025, giving taxpayers and auditors extra time to complete accounts. While the extension avoids immediate penalties for late filing, interest under Sections 234A/B may still apply.

The extension will benefit millions of businesses, professionals, and entities who need to get their accounts audited. Also, small businesses and freelancers who delayed audits due to the festive rush can now file their returns without hassle.

Salaried taxpayers not required to undergo audits won’t benefit from this extension as their deadline, September 16 has already passed. Transfer Pricing (TP) audit reports under Section 92E (Form 3CEB) are not included either. These reports are still due one month before the ITR deadline unless a separate notification is issued.

A Transfer Pricing (TP) report is needed when a business or freelancer has any dealings with related parties abroad. It proves the prices charged are fair. TP reports have separate deadlines. They must be certified by a chartered accountant, irrespective of whether regular audit deadlines are extended or not.

Taxpayers should aim to submit their audit reports by November 10 to make full use of the ITR window. Using pre-filled data on the portal can speed up filing. TP filers should keep checking the incometaxindia.gov.in website and take professional advice, if needed. Incidentally, late fees under Section 234F (Rs 5,000) and interest at one per cent per month still apply for those who have not filed their returns by the due date.

Also, before filing the return, taxpayers should ensure that all documents are in order and details are correctly entered. They should also review the pre-filled data carefully. They should file the audit report on time, and also note that transfer pricing reports under Section 92E must still be submitted separately.