The Central Board of Direct Taxes on Monday extended the income-tax return filing deadline for Assessment Year 2026-27 for taxpayers covered under the audit provisions, from October 31 to November 21, 2026.

The “specified date” for furnishing the tax-audit report under the Income-tax Act, 1961, moved from September 30 to October 21, 2026. Both deadlines were pushed back by 21 days.

The extension applies to the category of taxpayers mentioned at Serial Number 2 in the table below Explanation 2 to sub-section (1) of Section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961.

The CBDT said a formal order or notification would be issued separately. The decision relates only to AY 2026-27 and does not change other income-tax return deadlines.

The announcement came the same day the Rajasthan High Court heard a petition by tax consultants seeking an extension; the court had asked the CBDT to clarify whether one would be granted.