New Delhi, 29 July (H.S.): Taxpayers have only three days left to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2026-27, corresponding to the financial year 2025-26. The last date for filing returns for ordinary individual taxpayers is July 31, 2026. However, for certain business taxpayers filing ITR-3 and ITR-4, the deadline is August 31, 2026.

The Income Tax Department, in a post on X on Wednesday, said missing the ITR filing deadline is like getting “hit wicket”, a situation that can be easily avoided. The department advised taxpayers to file their returns early to avoid late filing fees and interest charges, and turn the opportunity into a “free hit”.

The department said taxpayers filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 for Assessment Year 2026-27 should verify their details before July 31, 2026, and submit their returns through the official portal [http://incometax.gov.in](http://incometax.gov.in).

According to the department, taxpayers who fail to file their ITR by July 31 can still submit a belated return by December 31, but they will have to pay the applicable late fee. An ITR serves as an official record of an individual’s total income, investments, and financial transactions.

It may be noted that if an individual taxpayer’s annual income exceeds Rs 5 lakh, a late filing fee of Rs 5,000 will be applicable. If the taxpayer’s annual income is below Rs 5 lakh, the late fee will be Rs 1,000.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar