Unlike individual taxpayers, companies filing ITR-6 may have different return filing deadlines depending on their compliance requirements, including whether their accounts are subject to audit or whether transfer pricing provisions apply.
Who should file ITR-6 for AY 2026-27?
ITR-6 is applicable to companies registered under the Companies Act that are not claiming exemption under Section 11 of the Income-tax Act. This includes most private companies, public companies and other corporate entities that do not fall under the charitable or religious exemption category.
Companies whose income is exempt under Section 11, mainly those holding income from property for charitable or religious purposes, do not use ITR-6. Such entities generally file their returns through ITR-7.
Unlike individual taxpayers who choose forms based on their income sources, companies are required to file ITR-6 based on their legal status and tax classification.
How is ITR-6 different from other ITR forms?
ITR-6 requires detailed disclosures related to the company’s financial statements and tax position. The form captures information such as the company’s balance sheet, profit and loss account, tax audit details, share capital details and other corporate disclosures.
The form is different from individual return forms such as ITR-1, ITR-2 or ITR-3, which are designed for salaried individuals, professionals, business owners and other non-corporate taxpayers.
Companies filing ITR-6 are required to provide information that reflects their corporate structure, financial performance and compliance requirements.What is the deadline to file ITR-6?
The due date for filing ITR-6 depends on whether the company is required to get its accounts audited.
Companies subject to transfer pricing audit (Form 3CEB) need to file their returns by November 30, 2026. The same deadline applies to a company that is a partner in a firm where transfer pricing audit requirements are applicable.
For other cases, the due date for filing ITR-6 is October 31, 2026.
What happens if a company misses the ITR-6 deadline?
A company filing its income tax return after the due date may have to pay a late filing fee under Section 234F of the Income-tax Act. Delayed filing can also impact the ability to carry forward certain losses, depending on the nature of the loss and applicable provisions.
Companies that require tax audit should also ensure that the audit report is submitted within the prescribed timeline before filing the return.
