GenzeeIndia's Busiest Tax Month: New Income-tax Act Meets Old ITR Deadlines
July 2026 has been one of the busiest months on India's tax calendar, combining the usual income tax return deadline with the first full quarter under the new Income-tax Act, 2025, which formally replaced the 1961 Act on 1 April 2026.
What filers need to track
According to India Briefing and CAclubindia, the major compliance dates this month fell on 7, 15, 30 and 31 July, covering TDS deposits, quarterly reporting for stock exchanges and authorised dealers, and the headline income tax return deadline. For salaried individuals filing returns for Assessment Year 2026-27 (income earned in FY2025-26), the due date is 31 July for most individuals, extending to 31 August for cases that don't require an audit. The Income Tax Department also extended its helpdesk to run 24x7 from 25 to 31 July to handle the last-minute rush.
Why the new Act matters going forward
The Income-tax Act, 2025 is designed to be a simplified, consolidated tax code with clearer definitions and a lighter compliance burden than the decades-old 1961 law it replaces, though this filing season still uses forms and processes rooted in the old Act since it covers income earned before the transition.
Before you file, use our India Income Tax Calculator to confirm your tax liability under the new versus old regime.
Note: This is a plain-language summary, not tax/financial advice. Rates and rules can change; verify your specific case with the relevant authority or a qualified professional. See our editorial policy for how we source and date these updates.