What changed
The circular is an order under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, read with Section 536 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. It extends the due date for the persons at serial number 2 of the table below Explanation 2 to Section 139(1): companies, other assessees whose accounts must be audited, and partners of such firms (with their spouses where Section 5A applies), in each case where Section 92E does not apply.
The circular extends the return date directly. The audit report date follows from it: under clause (ii) of the Explanation to Section 44AB, the report is due one month before the return due date. With the return date at 21 November 2026, the tax audit report date becomes 21 October 2026.
Assessees to whom Section 92E applies (serial number 1 of the table) are outside the circular. Their return remains due on 30 November 2026 and the transfer pricing report in Form 3CEB on 31 October 2026. The circular is a short order: it moves the filing dates only and does not separately deal with advance tax, self-assessment tax or interest. Company law dates, such as the AGM and ROC filings, are not affected.
Who is affected
Companies, firms and other assessees whose accounts must be audited, and partners of such firms, where transfer pricing (Section 92E) does not apply.
Effective dates
| Item | Date or period |
|---|---|
| Circular issued | 28 September 2026 |
| Tax audit report (Form 3CA/3CB with 3CD) | 30 September 2026 → 21 October 2026 |
| Return: companies and other audit cases | 31 October 2026 → 21 November 2026 |
| Form 3CEB (transfer pricing cases) | 31 October 2026 (not extended) |
| Return: transfer pricing cases | 30 November 2026 (not extended) |
What to do now
- A tax audit report uploaded by 21 October 2026 is within the extended date; one uploaded later is outside it.
- File the return for an audit case by 21 November 2026. The e-filing portal needs the audit report to be uploaded and accepted by the assessee first.
- For transfer pricing cases, keep to 31 October 2026 for Form 3CEB and 30 November 2026 for the return.
- Read the circular itself on the Income Tax Department website before relying on the dates.
Penalty or consequence if missed
For AY 2026-27, not getting the accounts audited or not furnishing the report attracts a penalty under Section 271B of 0.5% of turnover or gross receipts, up to ₹1.5 lakh, unless there was reasonable cause (Section 273B). A return filed after 21 November 2026 is a belated return: interest under Section 234A runs, a fee under Section 234F applies, and business losses for the year cannot be carried forward.
Official source
CBDT Circular No. 07/2026 dated 28 September 2026 (F. No. 225/128/2026/ITA-II).
- Circular 07/2026 on incometaxindia.gov.in
- Finance Act, 2026 (table of return due dates in Section 139(1))
Effective: 28 Sep 2026 · Note published · Last reviewed
Related on this site
- Income tax due dates
- Tax audit guide (Section 44AB)
- Income Tax Act 2025 section finder
- Income tax tools
- Compliance calendar
This note summarises a public notification for general information. It is not professional advice and does not cover every condition or exception, and the rule can change again by a later notification. Read the notification itself before acting on it, or consult a qualified professional on your own facts.