New Delhi, 28 September (H.S.): The Income Tax Department has provided relief to companies by extending the deadlines for filing tax audit reports and income tax returns (ITRs).

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Income Tax Department said the last date for companies to file their Income Tax Return for Assessment Year 2026-27 has been extended from October 31 to November 21, 2026. The due date for furnishing tax audit reports has also been extended from September 30 to October 21, 2026.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that, for persons referred to in serial number 2 of the table under Explanation 2 to Section 139(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, the due date for furnishing the return of income for Assessment Year 2026-27 has been extended to November 21, 2026. The ‘specified date’ for furnishing the audit report under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961, has also been extended to October 21, 2026.

The key point in the extension is the distinction between the two deadlines and the two separate compliances. The tax audit report must be furnished by October 21, while the ITR must be filed by November 21. These are two separate requirements and are not the same compliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar