Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) on time is essential to avoid penalties and legal complications. For the Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27, the Income Tax Department has set critical deadlines based on taxpayer categories. Salaried individuals and pensioners must file ITR-1 or ITR-2 by July 31, 2026, while freelancers and small businesses have until August 31, 2026, to submit ITR-3 or ITR-4. Those needing a tax audit must file by October 31, 2026. If the initial deadline is missed, belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2026, and revised returns to correct errors can also be submitted by the same date. Additionally, the updated return option (ITR-U) allows taxpayers to disclose missed income until March 31, 2029. The Income Tax Department has notified all ITR forms for AY 2026-27, facilitating the filing process for income generated in the 2025-26 financial year. The forms are categorized to streamline submissions based on income sources, ensuring compliance with the tax regulations.