Current as at 1 October 2026.
Two days before the deadline, the Central Board of Direct Taxes announced by press release dated 28 September 2026 that the due dates for tax audit cases for FY 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27) are extended. This reverses the position we described in our September update, which was correct when published on 22 September. The formal order under section 119 giving effect to the extension is to be issued separately; we will add the circular number here when it appears.
The new dates
- Tax audit report (Form 3CA/3CB–3CD) — 30 September 2026 becomes 21 October 2026.
- Income tax return for audit cases — companies, anyone whose accounts are audited under section 44AB, and working partners of audited firms — 31 October 2026 becomes 21 November 2026.
The extension applies to assessees covered by clause (a) of Explanation 2 to section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Elections that must be made by the return due date, such as Form 10-IC and Form 10-ID, move with it.
What has not moved
Three dates in the same season are untouched, and this is where mistakes are usually made in an extension year.
- Form 3CEB for taxpayers with international or specified domestic transactions remains due on 31 October 2026, and their return on 30 November 2026. The press release does not mention section 92E cases; those taxpayers should not assume the 21 November date applies to them unless a further order says so.
- Quarterly TCS statements (Form 27EQ) for July–September remain due on 15 October, and quarterly TDS statements (Forms 24Q, 26Q, 27Q) on 31 October.
- ROC filings run from the AGM, not from the tax deadline: ADT-1 within 15 days, AOC-4 within 30 days and MGT-7 within 60 days of the meeting.
The interest point
An extension of the due date normally protects you from the late fee under section 234F and the penalty under section 271B, and allows losses to be carried forward from a return filed within the extended period. It does not, by itself, stop interest under section 234A. In past extension years the CBDT has sometimes confined the interest relief to cases where self-assessment tax does not exceed ₹1 lakh, so that larger taxpayers who file in the extended window still pay 1% a month from the original date on the unpaid balance. Until the formal order says otherwise, the safe course is to pay the self-assessment tax by the original dates and use the extra weeks for the audit report and the return, not for the payment.
What we are doing
For clients whose audit is complete, we are not holding filings back — the earlier the report is uploaded, the earlier the return can go in and refunds can be processed. For clients whose books are still being finalised, the extension gives three usable weeks; please send any outstanding ledgers, bank statements and GST reconciliations now rather than in the last week. Our tax audit document checklist lists what we need, and the compliance calendar has been updated with the new dates.
Sources
CBDT press release dated 28 September 2026 on the extension of the specified date and the due date for AY 2026-27, available on the Income Tax Department's press releases page; Explanation 2 to section 139(1), sections 44AB, 92E, 234A, 234F and 271B of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
This note is general commentary on a press release issued on 28 September 2026 and is not advice on any specific matter. The formal order may add conditions; please confirm the current position with us before acting.
Tax, GST and business setup advisors — Mumbai and Thane. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Related articles
- Setting up in Saudi Arabia from India: MISA licence, ZATCA, Saudization and the regional headquarters programme
- GST Council, 8 October 2026: what the 57th meeting means for small businesses and exporters
- Moving your Web3 company to Dubai: VARA, DMCC, residency and the Indian exit
- Setting up a manpower or recruitment company in the UAE from India