New Delhi, Aug. 31 -- August 31 is the income tax return filing deadline for taxpayers covered under the non-audit category for assessment year (AY) 2026-27. This includes eligible taxpayers with business or professional income who are required to file their returns by this date. For those who have not yet filed, today is the last opportunity to submit the return within the original due date.

But missing August 31 does not mean that taxpayers lose the opportunity to file their return altogether. The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to file a belated return after the original due date, subject to the applicable provisions. However, late filing can have financial and tax consequences, including a late-filing fee and interest where ap...