New Delhi: If you think tax filing is only about July, it’s time to rethink. The financial year 2026–27 (FY27) comes with a packed compliance calendar, and missing key dates can lead to penalties, interest, or last-minute stress.

A well-planned approach—spreading compliance and investments across the year—can make tax management far simpler.

April: the year begins with compliance

The financial year starts with immediate responsibilities:

  • April 14: Issue TDS certificates for specified transactions and file foreign remittance statements
  • April 30:
    • Deposit TDS/TCS for March (non-government deductors)
    • File Form 24G (government offices)
    • Submit Form 15G/15H declarations

These early deadlines set the tone for the rest of the year.

May: reporting and certifications continue

May keeps taxpayers and businesses actively engaged:

  • May 7: Deposit TDS/TCS for April
  • May 15: Issue TDS certificates and file TCS quarterly statements
  • May 30: Issue TCS certificates for Q4 of FY26
  • May 31:
    • File Form 61A (financial transactions reporting)
    • Submit donation reports and institutional filings

June: advance tax kicks in

June is crucial, especially for salaried individuals and investors:

  • June 7: Deposit TDS/TCS for May
  • June 15:
    • Pay first instalment of advance tax
    • Issue TDS certificates for salary/non-salary payments
  • June 30: Complete reporting for investments, securities, and TDS filings

July: the big ITR deadline

  • July 31: Deadline to file Income Tax Return (ITR) for individuals and non-audited taxpayers under the Income Tax Department of India

Before filing, ensure all tax dues are cleared to avoid penalties and interest.

Key deadlines beyond July

Tax obligations continue throughout the year:

  • September 15: Second advance tax instalment
  • October 31: ITR filing deadline for audit cases
  • November 30: Deadline for transfer pricing reports
  • December 15: Third advance tax instalment
  • December 31: Last date to file belated or revised returns

January to March: closing the financial year

The final quarter is critical for tax planning:

  • January–February:
    • Submit investment proofs to employers
    • Finalise tax-saving strategies
  • March (mid-month):
    • Pay final advance tax instalment
  • March 31:
    • Last date for tax-saving investments under old regime
    • Complete pending filings for earlier years

Why staying organised matters

A structured approach to tax planning helps you:

  • Avoid penalties and late fees
  • Manage cash flow better with staggered payments
  • Maximise tax-saving opportunities
  • Reduce last-minute stress

Smart strategy for FY27

Instead of waiting until deadlines approach:

  • Track key dates using a calendar or reminders
  • Plan investments early in the year
  • Pay advance tax on time to avoid interest
  • Keep documents organised throughout the year

Conclusion

The FY27 tax calendar may look long, but it’s manageable with planning. Staying ahead of deadlines ensures smoother compliance and better financial control.