Income tax due dates
| Due date | What is due | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| 15 June, 15 September, 15 December, 15 March | Advance tax instalments | Anyone whose tax after TDS is ₹10,000 or more |
| 31 July | ITR for individuals not needing a tax audit | Most salaried people and presumptive-scheme freelancers |
| 31 October | ITR for taxpayers whose accounts need an audit | Businesses and professionals above the audit limits |
| 31 December | Belated or revised return | Anyone who missed the deadline or needs to correct a return |
Which ITR form do I need?
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): resident individuals with salary, one house property and other sources, within the income limit.
- ITR-2: individuals and HUFs without business income, including those with capital gains or foreign assets.
- ITR-3: individuals and HUFs with business or professional income.
- ITR-4 (Sugam): residents using a presumptive scheme such as section 44AD or 44ADA, within the limits.
Upload Form 16, Form 26AS or your AIS and TaxOrch reads them, tells you which ITR form fits and why, and flags any figure it could not confirm. See document upload.
Old vs new tax regime: which is better?
The new regime is the default. It has lower slab rates but removes most deductions and exemptions, such as section 80C, 80D and HRA. The old regime keeps them. Salaried people can choose each year; people with business income have fewer chances to switch. TaxOrch computes your tax under both regimes from your own figures so you can compare them side by side.
Freelancers and section 44ADA
Professionals such as consultants, designers and developers can use the presumptive scheme in section 44ADA, declaring 50% of gross receipts as income, as long as receipts stay within the limit (higher when almost all receipts are digital). You then usually file ITR-4; otherwise you keep books and file ITR-3.
- Check TDS deducted by clients in Form 26AS and the AIS.
- Pay advance tax; under 44ADA it can be paid in one instalment by 15 March.
- Keep invoices and foreign remittance records for overseas clients.
More in tax help for freelancers.
Do I need to register for GST?
GST registration is generally required once aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh for services (₹10 lakh in special category states) or ₹40 lakh for goods in most states. Some suppliers must register regardless of turnover, such as those making inter-state supplies of goods. Exports of services can be zero-rated under a letter of undertaking. TaxOrch checks your turnover against the limit for your state.
How TaxOrch helps with Indian income tax
- 1Upload your documentsForm 16, AIS, 26AS and invoices are read, with anything unconfirmed flagged.
- 2Compare regimesSee your tax under the old and new regimes, with the working shown.
- 3Stay on scheduleThe dates for each advance tax date and the ITR due date, each with its official source.
TaxOrch does not file your ITR: you file on the e-filing portal or through a chartered accountant. Firms can book a demo, request a demo account or offer TaxOrch under their own brand with a White-label licence.
When to talk to a chartered accountant
- You have received a notice from the Income Tax Department.
- Your turnover means your accounts need a tax audit.
- You have foreign income or assets, or your residential status changed.
- You have large capital gains from property, shares or crypto.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ITR due date in India?
- Usually 31 July after the financial year for individuals who do not need a tax audit, and 31 October for those who do. The CBDT sometimes extends these dates.
Should I choose the old or new tax regime?
- It depends on how many deductions you can claim. The new regime has lower rates and few deductions; the old regime keeps deductions such as 80C and HRA. TaxOrch calculates both from your figures.
Can TaxOrch file my ITR?
- No. TaxOrch does not file returns. It reads your documents, estimates your tax and prepares a draft marked as not filed. You file on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal or through a chartered accountant.
Which ITR form does a freelancer use?
- Usually ITR-4 if you use the section 44ADA presumptive scheme within its limits, or ITR-3 if you keep full books of account.
Sources
Related on TaxOrch
- Tax help for freelancersAdvance tax, TDS and presumptive income.
- Tax calculatorOld and new regime estimates with the working shown.
- Tax deadlinesAdvance tax and ITR dates, with their source.
- All countriesCountry guides and coverage levels.