What happened
CBDT pushed the audit-report deadline for AY 2026-27 to 21 Oct 2026, giving audited taxpayers three extra weeks.
Why it matters
Taxpayers must accept the CA-filed Form 3CA/3CB-3CD on the e-filing portal to avoid a Section 271B penalty.
Remember this
Accept the pending audit filing on the portal and hold on to proof of any failed attempts.
What to do before 21 Oct
Accept the CA-filed audit on the portal, match the correct form type, and keep proof of any failed submission attempts.
More context & who is affected
CBDT has pushed the tax-audit report deadline for AY 2026-27 to 21 October 2026, giving audited taxpayers three extra weeks. If your CA has filed the audit papers, log into the e-filing portal and accept the Form 3CA/3CB-3CD entry under Pending Actions before the new cutoff.
Missing the acceptance step or filing late can invite a penalty under Section 271B (0.5% of turnover). Retain screenshots and helpdesk logs if portal errors block your submission; this evidence can support a reasonable-cause claim under Section 273B.
Quick checklist: confirm which forms you use (3CA+3CD or 3CB+3CD), ensure your CA has made any corrections, verify the Pending Actions > Worklist acceptance on the portal, and keep records of any failed attempts. If anything looks unclear, contact your CA now.
- Extended tax audit report deadline
- 21 October 2026 Previously 30 September 2026; CBDT pushed the deadline for audited taxpayers to Oct 21.The Times of IndiaLivemint
- Extended ITR filing deadline
- 21 November 2026 ITR filing for audited taxpayers moved from 31 Oct to 21 Nov 2026.The Times of India
Business Owners
Extension reduces immediate compliance costs and penalty risk for audited taxpayers.
Salaried Professionals
Taxpayers get a short window to resolve portal issues and accept audit reports without immediate penalty.
Reporting fromLivemint ↗The Times of India ↗
Sources & verification2 sources · 4 claims
These are the records behind this briefing. Linked reporting is not the same as independent confirmation.
- LivemintReportingPublished Oct 18, 2026 · Accessed Oct 18, 2026
- The Times of IndiaReporting
CBDT extends income tax audit report deadline till October 21, ITR filing last date to November 21 ↗
Published Sep 28, 2026 · Accessed Oct 18, 2026
Claims and linked sources
CBDT extended the tax audit report deadline for AY 2026-27 to 21 October 2026.
The ITR filing deadline for audited taxpayers was moved to 21 November 2026 from 31 October 2026.
Audited taxpayers must file Form 3CA+3CD if audited under another law, or Form 3CB+3CD otherwise, for FY 2025-26.
Non-compliance can attract a penalty under Section 271B at 0.5% of total turnover, subject to statutory limits.
