Who Must File ITR by 31 August? ITR-3, ITR-4 and No Audit

Section 44AB's audit test decides which deadline applies. For FY 2025-26, business turnover above ₹1 crore triggers an audit, a threshold that rises to ₹10 crore when both cash receipts and cash payments stay within 5% of the total. Professional gross receipts above ₹50 lakh also require an audit, Gupta said.

A second route into audit runs through the presumptive taxation sections. "Audit is also triggered where a taxpayer declares profits below the presumptive rate under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE and total income exceeds the basic exemption limit," Gupta said. Those sections allow presumptive income declaration for small businesses and professionals.

Business owners, freelancers, professionals and F&O traders who file ITR-3 or ITR-4 and clear the audit test can use the 31 August date. ITR-1 and ITR-2 filers remain on 31 July. The audit threshold is the line between the two deadlines.