New Delhi, March 29 -- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has directed Income-Tax Offices across India to remain open on 31 March 2026, to "facilitate completion of pending departmental works".

Notably, 31 March is a public holiday for Mahavir Jayanti, but the last date of March is also the close of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26). The order comes under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It empowers the CBDT to provide administrative directives for effective tax governance.

The date is significant because it is the last date of the financial year and deadline for many tax related activities. Advance tax payments, tax saving investments and other such activities are finalised by 31 March each year. The work pressure on relate...