CBDT pushes FY 2026-27 tax audit and return deadlines into late November

The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued a notice extending the due dates for Assessment Year 2026-27 for those required to undergo a tax audit. The income-tax return filing deadline is now November 21, 2026, up from the previous October 31 deadline, while the tax-audit report must be uploaded by October 21, 2026, instead of September 30. The change applies to persons listed in S. No. 2 of the relevant table under section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act.

Chartered accountant Avinash Kumar Rao of Mohindra & Associates said the extension will ease pressure on taxpayers and auditors, many of whom are still completing audits, but urged early payment of any tax due to avoid accruing interest. He emphasized that the additional days should be used to ensure accurate compliance rather than merely delaying the process. The filing procedure involves the chartered accountant uploading the audit report on the e-filing portal, after which the taxpayer must accept and e-verify it.