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Complete Compliance Calendar 2025-26: Due Dates Under Income Tax, GST, Companies Act & Labour Laws

CA Vijender Singh Bachhal 3 April 2026 18 min read

Managing compliance deadlines is one of the biggest challenges for businesses in India. With multiple statutes — Income Tax, GST, Companies Act, LLP Act, and various Labour Laws — each having their own filing requirements and due dates, missing a deadline can result in hefty penalties, interest, and even prosecution.

This comprehensive compliance calendar for FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026) covers all critical due dates, organized by statute and month, so you can plan ahead and stay compliant.

1. Income Tax Act — Key Due Dates

The Income Tax Act prescribes monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines for TDS/TCS payments, advance tax, return filing, and audit reports.

Monthly TDS/TCS Obligations

Every person deducting tax at source (TDS) or collecting tax at source (TCS) must follow these recurring deadlines:

ObligationDue DateApplicable To
TDS/TCS Payment to Government7th of the following monthAll deductors/collectors
TDS/TCS Payment (March)30th AprilAll deductors/collectors
TDS on Salary (Government)Same day of deductionGovernment employers

Quarterly TDS/TCS Return Filing

QuarterPeriodDue Date
Q1April – June 202531st July 2025
Q2July – September 202531st October 2025
Q3October – December 202531st January 2026
Q4January – March 202631st May 2026

Advance Tax Due Dates (FY 2025-26)

Advance tax applies to all taxpayers whose estimated tax liability for the year exceeds Rs. 10,000.

InstalmentDue DateCumulative % of Tax Liability
1st Instalment15th June 2025At least 15%
2nd Instalment15th September 2025At least 45%
3rd Instalment15th December 2025At least 75%
4th Instalment15th March 2026100%

Note: Taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD or 44ADA must pay the entire advance tax in a single instalment by 15th March 2026.

Income Tax Return Filing Due Dates (AY 2026-27)

CategoryDue DateITR Form
Individuals / HUF (no audit)31st July 2026ITR-1 to ITR-4
Businesses requiring audit (Sec 44AB)31st October 2026ITR-3, ITR-5, ITR-6
Businesses requiring transfer pricing report30th November 2026ITR-6
Revised / Belated Return31st December 2026Same as original
Updated Return (ITR-U)Within 24 months from end of AYITR-U

Tax Audit & Other Report Due Dates

ReportDue DateSection
Tax Audit Report (Form 3CA/3CB-3CD)30th September 2026Section 44AB
Transfer Pricing Report (Form 3CEB)31st October 2026Section 92E
Country-by-Country Report12 months from end of reporting yearSection 286
Form 10B (Charitable Trusts)30th September 2026Section 12A

Penalties for Non-Compliance — Income Tax

DefaultPenalty / Consequence
Late filing of ITR (income > Rs. 5 lakhs)Rs. 5,000 (up to 31st Dec) + Rs. 10,000 (after 31st Dec)
Late filing of ITR (income < Rs. 5 lakhs)Rs. 1,000
Late payment of TDSInterest at 1.5% per month + penalty up to TDS amount
Late filing of TDS returnRs. 200 per day (max = TDS amount)
Non-deduction of TDSDisallowance of 30% of expenditure + interest
Late payment of advance taxInterest under Sec 234B (2% per month) and Sec 234C

1A. New Income Tax Act, 2025 — Key Changes in Due Dates

The Income Tax Act, 2025 (effective from 1st April 2026 for AY 2026-27 onwards) replaces the Income Tax Act, 1961. While the new act consolidates and simplifies the law, most compliance timelines remain substantially similar. However, there are important changes and new provisions that taxpayers must be aware of.

What Changes Under the New Act?

ParameterIT Act, 1961 (Current)IT Act, 2025 (New)
Tax Year TerminologyPrevious Year / Assessment YearTax Year (single unified concept)
Return Filing — Non-audit31st July of AY31st July of the following tax year
Return Filing — Audit cases31st October of AY31st October of the following tax year
Return Filing — Transfer Pricing30th November of AY30th November of the following tax year
Updated Return (ITR-U)Within 24 months from end of AYWithin 48 months from end of tax year (extended window)
Revised Return31st December of AY31st December of the following tax year
Belated Return31st December of AY31st December of the following tax year
Tax Audit (Sec 44AB / corresponding section)30th September of AY30th September of the following tax year
TDS Return FilingQuarterly (same dates)Quarterly (same dates — no change)
Advance Tax Instalments15th Jun, Sep, Dec, Mar15th Jun, Sep, Dec, Mar (no change)

Key New Provisions Affecting Compliance

ProvisionDetailImpact on Compliance
Unified Tax YearReplaces the dual PY/AY concept with a single "Tax Year"Simplifies terminology — no practical change in deadlines
Extended ITR-U WindowUpdated return can be filed within 48 months (vs 24 months under 1961 Act)More time to correct errors and omissions — but with additional tax of 25-50%
Simplified TDS FrameworkTDS sections consolidated and rationalizedFewer sections to navigate — same payment and filing deadlines
Presumptive TaxationEnhanced limits and simplified provisionsMore businesses eligible — same advance tax deadline (15th March)
Penalty FrameworkRationalized penalty provisions with clearer structurePenalties remain similar in quantum — easier to understand
Faceless AssessmentContinued and expanded from 1961 ActAll assessments, appeals to be faceless — no change in response timelines

Transitional Provisions — What to Watch

The transition from the 1961 Act to the 2025 Act will involve several practical considerations:

AspectTransitional Rule
Pending AssessmentsAssessments pending under the 1961 Act will continue under the old provisions
Carried Forward LossesLosses already determined under the 1961 Act can be carried forward under the 2025 Act
Existing Exemptions / DeductionsExemptions and deductions claimed under the 1961 Act (e.g., Sec 80-IA, SEZ benefits) will be honored for the remaining period
TDS CertificatesForm 16 / 16A issued under the 1961 Act will remain valid for the transition year
Advance RulingsPending advance rulings will be disposed of under the applicable provisions

Compliance Calendar Mapping — 1961 Act vs 2025 Act

For FY 2025-26 (the last year under the 1961 Act) and FY 2026-27 (the first year under the 2025 Act), the practical due dates remain the same:

ComplianceFY 2025-26 (IT Act, 1961)FY 2026-27 (IT Act, 2025)
TDS Payment7th of following month7th of following month (no change)
TDS Quarterly ReturnSame quarterly datesSame quarterly dates (no change)
Advance Tax — 1st Instalment15th June 202515th June 2026
Advance Tax — 4th Instalment15th March 202615th March 2027
ITR Filing (non-audit)31st July 2026 (AY 2026-27)31st July 2027 (Tax Year 2026-27)
ITR Filing (audit cases)31st October 202631st October 2027
Tax Audit Report30th September 202630th September 2027
Revised / Belated Return31st December 202631st December 2027
Updated Return (ITR-U)Within 24 monthsWithin 48 months (new extended window)

Key Takeaway: The new Income Tax Act, 2025 does not significantly alter compliance deadlines. The major benefit is simplification — fewer sections, clearer language, and a unified tax year concept. However, the extended ITR-U window (48 months vs 24 months) is a meaningful change that gives taxpayers more time to rectify errors. Businesses should work with their CA to ensure a smooth transition during FY 2026-27.

2. GST — Key Due Dates

GST compliance involves monthly, quarterly, and annual return filings depending on your registration type and turnover.

Monthly GST Returns

ReturnDescriptionDue DateApplicable To
GSTR-1Outward supplies11th of the following monthRegular taxpayers
GSTR-3BSummary return + tax payment20th of the following monthRegular taxpayers
GSTR-7TDS return10th of the following monthTDS deductors
GSTR-8TCS return10th of the following monthE-commerce operators
IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility)Optional B2B invoices13th of the following monthQRMP taxpayers (quarterly filers)

Quarterly GST Returns (QRMP Scheme)

Taxpayers with turnover up to Rs. 5 crore can opt for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme.

QuarterGSTR-1 Due DateGSTR-3B Due Date
Q1 (Apr – Jun 2025)13th July 202522nd/24th July 2025
Q2 (Jul – Sep 2025)13th October 202522nd/24th October 2025
Q3 (Oct – Dec 2025)13th January 202622nd/24th January 2026
Q4 (Jan – Mar 2026)13th April 202622nd/24th April 2026

Note: GSTR-3B due date is 22nd for taxpayers in Category A states (Chhattisgarh, MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, AP, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep) and 24th for Category B states (remaining states).

Annual GST Filings

ReturnDescriptionDue DateApplicable To
GSTR-9Annual Return31st December 2025 (for FY 2024-25)Turnover > Rs. 2 crore
GSTR-9CReconciliation Statement31st December 2025 (for FY 2024-25)Turnover > Rs. 5 crore
GST AuditSelf-certified reconciliation31st December 2025Turnover > Rs. 5 crore
ITC-04Job Work Return (annual)25th April 2025 (for FY 2024-25)Turnover up to Rs. 5 crore
ITC-04Job Work Return (half-yearly)25th Oct / 25th AprTurnover > Rs. 5 crore

Penalties for Non-Compliance — GST

DefaultPenalty / Consequence
Late filing of GSTR-3BRs. 50 per day (Rs. 20 for nil return), max Rs. 10,000 per return
Late filing of GSTR-1Rs. 50 per day (Rs. 20 for nil return), max Rs. 10,000 per return
Late filing of GSTR-9Rs. 200 per day (Rs. 100 CGST + Rs. 100 SGST), max 0.25% of turnover
Non-filing of returnsGST registration can be cancelled after continuous default
Interest on late tax payment18% per annum on the outstanding tax amount
Wrong ITC claim100% penalty on wrongful ITC + interest at 24% per annum

3. Companies Act, 2013 — Key Due Dates

Companies registered under the Companies Act have extensive compliance requirements with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Annual Filing Calendar

Form / FilingDescriptionDue DateSection
Board MeetingsMinimum 4 per yearGap not exceeding 120 days between two meetingsSec 173
First Board MeetingAfter incorporationWithin 30 days of incorporationSec 173
Annual General Meeting (AGM)Annual shareholders meetingWithin 6 months from end of FY (by 30th September)Sec 96
AOC-4 / AOC-4 CFSFinancial StatementsWithin 30 days of AGMSec 137
MGT-7 / MGT-7AAnnual ReturnWithin 60 days of AGMSec 92
ADT-1Auditor AppointmentWithin 15 days of AGMSec 139
DIR-3 KYCDirector KYC30th September every yearRule 12A
MSME-1Outstanding payments to MSMEsHalf-yearly (by 31st Oct and 30th April)Sec 405
DPT-3Return of Deposits30th June every yearSec 73

Event-Based Filings

EventFormDue Date
Change in DirectorsDIR-12Within 30 days
Change in Registered OfficeINC-22Within 30 days
Allotment of SharesPAS-3Within 30 days
Creation / Modification of ChargeCHG-1Within 30 days
Change in Authorized CapitalSH-7Within 30 days
Change in MOA / AOAMGT-14Within 30 days

Penalties for Non-Compliance — Companies Act

DefaultPenalty
Late filing of AOC-4 / MGT-7Rs. 100 per day of delay (no maximum cap)
Non-holding of AGMRs. 1 lakh on company + Rs. 5,000 per day on officers
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYCRs. 5,000 one-time penalty + DIN deactivation
Non-filing of MSME-1Rs. 25,000 on company + Rs. 25,000 on officers
Non-appointment of auditorPenalty up to Rs. 5 lakhs

4. LLP Act, 2008 — Key Due Dates

LLPs have simpler compliance compared to companies but still have mandatory annual filings.

Form / FilingDescriptionDue DateSection
Form 8Statement of Accounts & SolvencyWithin 30 days from end of 6 months of FY (by 30th October)Sec 34
Form 11Annual ReturnWithin 60 days from end of FY (by 30th May)Sec 35
Form 3LLP Agreement / ChangesWithin 30 days of incorporation or changeSec 23
Form 4Change in Partners / Designated PartnersWithin 30 days of changeSec 25
DIR-3 KYCDesignated Partner KYC30th September every yearRule 12A
Income Tax ReturnITR-531st July / 31st October (if audit applicable)IT Act

Penalties for Non-Compliance — LLP

DefaultPenalty
Late filing of Form 8Rs. 100 per day of delay
Late filing of Form 11Rs. 100 per day of delay
Non-filing of DIR-3 KYCRs. 5,000 one-time + DPIN deactivation
Non-maintenance of booksPenalty up to Rs. 5 lakhs

5. Labour Laws — Key Due Dates

Employers must comply with PF, ESI, Professional Tax, and other labour law deadlines.

EPF (Employees' Provident Fund)

ObligationDue DateAuthority
Monthly PF Contribution Payment15th of the following monthEPFO
ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return)15th of the following monthEPFO
PF Annual Return (Form 3A & 6A)25th AprilEPFO
PF RegistrationWithin 30 days of reaching 20 employeesEPFO

ESI (Employees' State Insurance)

ObligationDue DateAuthority
Monthly ESI Contribution Payment15th of the following monthESIC
Half-Yearly Return12th May (Oct-Mar) / 12th November (Apr-Sep)ESIC
ESI RegistrationWithin 30 days of reaching 10 employeesESIC

Professional Tax (State-wise)

ObligationDue DateApplicable States
Monthly PaymentVaries by state (typically by 15th–20th)Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, etc.
Annual ReturnVaries by stateStates that levy Professional Tax
Enrollment CertificateBefore starting businessEmployer and self-employed professionals

Note: Professional Tax rates and due dates vary by state. Haryana does not currently levy Professional Tax on salaried individuals, but employers with presence in other states must comply with respective state laws.

Penalties for Non-Compliance — Labour Laws

DefaultPenalty
Late payment of PFInterest at 12% per annum + damages up to 100% of arrears
Non-registration under PFImprisonment up to 3 years + fine up to Rs. 10,000
Late payment of ESIInterest at 12% per annum + damages
Non-payment of Professional TaxPenalty up to 50% of the amount due

6. Month-Wise Compliance Snapshot (FY 2025-26)

This quick-reference calendar shows the most critical deadlines each month.

April 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th AprilTDS/TCS payment for MarchIncome Tax
11th AprilGSTR-1 for MarchGST
15th AprilPF & ESI payment for MarchLabour Laws
20th AprilGSTR-3B for MarchGST
25th AprilITC-04 for FY 2024-25 (turnover up to Rs. 5 Cr)GST
30th AprilTDS payment for March (special deadline)Income Tax
30th AprilMSME-1 (Oct-Mar half year)Companies Act

May 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th MayTDS/TCS payment for AprilIncome Tax
11th MayGSTR-1 for AprilGST
15th MayPF & ESI payment for AprilLabour Laws
20th MayGSTR-3B for AprilGST
30th MayLLP Form 11 (Annual Return)LLP Act
31st MayTDS Return for Q4 (Jan-Mar)Income Tax

June 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th JuneTDS/TCS payment for MayIncome Tax
11th JuneGSTR-1 for MayGST
15th June1st Instalment of Advance Tax (15%)Income Tax
15th JunePF & ESI payment for MayLabour Laws
20th JuneGSTR-3B for MayGST
30th JuneDPT-3 (Return of Deposits)Companies Act

July 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th JulyTDS/TCS payment for JuneIncome Tax
11th JulyGSTR-1 for JuneGST
15th JulyPF & ESI payment for JuneLabour Laws
20th JulyGSTR-3B for JuneGST
31st JulyTDS Return for Q1 (Apr-Jun)Income Tax
31st JulyITR filing — Individuals, HUF (no audit)Income Tax

August – September 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th of each monthTDS/TCS paymentIncome Tax
11th of each monthGSTR-1GST
15th of each monthPF & ESI paymentLabour Laws
15th September2nd Instalment of Advance Tax (45%)Income Tax
20th of each monthGSTR-3BGST
30th SeptemberAGM for companies (FY 2024-25)Companies Act
30th SeptemberTax Audit Report (Form 3CA/3CB-3CD)Income Tax
30th SeptemberDIR-3 KYC for Directors / Designated PartnersCompanies Act / LLP Act

October 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th OctoberTDS/TCS payment for SeptemberIncome Tax
11th OctoberGSTR-1 for SeptemberGST
15th OctoberPF & ESI payment for SeptemberLabour Laws
20th OctoberGSTR-3B for SeptemberGST
30th OctoberLLP Form 8 (Statement of Accounts)LLP Act
30th OctoberAOC-4 (within 30 days of AGM)Companies Act
31st OctoberITR filing — Audit cases (Sec 44AB)Income Tax
31st OctoberTDS Return for Q2 (Jul-Sep)Income Tax
31st OctoberTransfer Pricing Report (Form 3CEB)Income Tax
31st OctoberMSME-1 (Apr-Sep half year)Companies Act

November 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th NovemberTDS/TCS payment for OctoberIncome Tax
11th NovemberGSTR-1 for OctoberGST
15th NovemberPF & ESI payment for OctoberLabour Laws
20th NovemberGSTR-3B for OctoberGST
29th NovemberMGT-7 (within 60 days of AGM)Companies Act
30th NovemberITR filing — Transfer Pricing casesIncome Tax

December 2025

Due DateComplianceAct
7th DecemberTDS/TCS payment for NovemberIncome Tax
11th DecemberGSTR-1 for NovemberGST
15th December3rd Instalment of Advance Tax (75%)Income Tax
15th DecemberPF & ESI payment for NovemberLabour Laws
20th DecemberGSTR-3B for NovemberGST
31st DecemberGSTR-9 / GSTR-9C (Annual Return for FY 2024-25)GST
31st DecemberRevised / Belated Return for AY 2025-26Income Tax

January – March 2026

Due DateComplianceAct
7th of each monthTDS/TCS paymentIncome Tax
11th of each monthGSTR-1GST
15th of each monthPF & ESI paymentLabour Laws
20th of each monthGSTR-3BGST
31st JanuaryTDS Return for Q3 (Oct-Dec)Income Tax
15th March4th Instalment of Advance Tax (100%)Income Tax
15th MarchAdvance Tax — Presumptive Taxation (full amount)Income Tax
31st MarchLast date for tax-saving investments (Sec 80C, etc.)Income Tax
31st MarchLast date for linking PAN-Aadhaar (if extended)Income Tax

7. Smart Compliance Tips

Staying on top of compliance is not just about knowing the dates — it is about building a system that ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Set Up Calendar Alerts: Create recurring reminders at least 7 days before each due date. Most penalties kick in from the very next day after the deadline.

Maintain a Compliance Register: Keep a spreadsheet or use compliance management software that tracks all applicable statutes, due dates, filing status, and responsible persons.

Reconcile Monthly: Do not wait until the annual filing deadline. Reconcile your books, TDS credits (Form 26AS / AIS), and GST ITC ledger every month.

Engage a Professional: A Chartered Accountant can not only file your returns on time but also help you plan payments (especially advance tax instalments) to optimize cash flow.

Use Government Portals Proactively: Regularly check the Income Tax e-filing portal, GST portal, and MCA portal for any notices, demand orders, or compliance reminders.

Conclusion

Compliance in India is complex, but it is manageable with proper planning and professional support. The key is to be proactive rather than reactive — missing a single deadline can trigger a cascade of penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress.

At Bachhal Vijender & Associates, we offer end-to-end compliance management services. Our team tracks every deadline for our clients and ensures timely filing under all applicable statutes. Whether you are an individual taxpayer, a startup, or an established company, we can help you stay compliant and focused on growing your business.

Need help managing your compliance deadlines? Book a free consultation with our team and let us handle the paperwork while you focus on what matters most — your business.

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