Every year, a trust or NGO approved under Section 12A/12AB or Section 10(23C) of the Income-tax Act must get its accounts audited, file the audit report online, and then file its return in ITR-7. Missing either deadline can put the year’s tax exemption at risk. For financial year 2025-26 (assessment year 2026-27), the deadlines for audit cases were extended.
The deadlines for AY 2026-27
| Step | Usual date | Extended date |
|---|---|---|
| Audit report (Form 10B or 10BB) | 30 September 2026 | 21 October 2026 |
| Return of income (ITR-7) for audit cases | 31 October 2026 | 21 November 2026 |
The CBDT extended these dates by Circular No. 07/2026 dated 28 September 2026. The extension also covers the audit reports of trusts and institutions under Section 12A(1)(b) and Section 10(23C), which follow the same date. It does not apply where the transfer-pricing provisions (Section 92E) apply; those cases stay on the original dates. File the audit report before the return.
Form 10B or Form 10BB?
| Form | Used when |
|---|---|
| Form 10B | Total income before exemption exceeds Rs 5 crore, or the trust received foreign contribution, or applied income outside India |
| Form 10BB | All other audited trusts and institutions, including Section 10(23C) institutions |
The chartered accountant uploads the form, and the trust accepts it from its own login on the portal.
Before filing ITR-7: a checklist
- Audit report uploaded and accepted on the portal.
- Form 10 or Form 9A filed, if the trust is accumulating income or deeming income applied.
- Form 10BD (statement of donations) filed, if the trust has 80G approval; donors’ Form 10BE certificates issued.
- Registration under 12AB and approval under 80G current, with renewals on time. See renewing 12A and 80G.
- PAN, bank details and trustee details correct on the portal.
What if a deadline is missed?
- Late audit report: the trust’s exemption for the year can be denied if the audit report is not furnished in time. The CBDT allows the income-tax authorities to condone delay in filing the audit report in certain cases, on an application showing reasonable cause. Apply promptly.
- Late return: a late return attracts a late-filing fee and interest, and can also put the exemption at risk. Take advice immediately on the correct course.
- Notices: respond to any notice within the time given; ignoring it makes matters worse.
The Charity Commissioner’s audit is separate
Public trusts registered in Maharashtra must also have their accounts audited and file the audit report with the Charity Commissioner’s office under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, and pay the contribution under Section 58. Filing ITR-7 does not satisfy this. See trust accounts and audit filing.
From FY 2026-27: the Income-tax Act, 2025
The new Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from 1 April 2026, so the return for FY 2026-27 (filed in 2027) will follow the new Act’s sections and forms. The return for FY 2025-26, covered in this guide, is still filed under the Income-tax Act, 1961. See 12A and 80G under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Our trust’s income is small. Do we still need an audit?
A trust claiming exemption generally needs an audit where its total income, before exemption, exceeds the basic exemption limit. Check with your chartered accountant.
Can we file ITR-7 before the audit report?
No. The audit report must be uploaded and accepted first.
Does the extension also cover the Charity Commissioner’s audit?
No. That deadline is under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act and is separate.
See also: the trust compliance calendar and 12A, 80G and CSR-1 registration.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide describes the position as understood in October 2026, based on CBDT Circular No. 07/2026 for AY 2026-27. Confirm current due dates on the income-tax portal. It is not legal or tax advice; consult your chartered accountant.