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Direct Tax Code / Compliance

MASTER DIRECT TAX CODE COMPLIANCE DOCKET 2026

The Master Direct Tax Code Compliance Docket 2026 — a comprehensive anchor document consolidating all key compliance deadlines, reporting requirements, and regulatory obligations under the DTC.

25 Jul 20266 min read

The Direct Tax Code (DTC) 2025 introduces a comprehensive framework for direct tax compliance in India. This Master Compliance Docket consolidates all key compliance deadlines, reporting requirements, and regulatory obligations under the DTC, serving as an anchor reference for taxpayers, tax professionals, and legal advisors.

Annual Compliance Calendar

April

DeadlineObligationReference
April 30Advance tax payment (first instalment)Section 408
April 30TDS return filing (Q4)Section 397(3)(b)
April 30TCS return filing (Q4)Section 397(3)(b)
April 30Form 15G/15H declaration submissionSection 393(6)

May

DeadlineObligationReference
May 31Return of income filing for individuals (non-audit)Section 263(1)(c)
May 31Statement of financial transaction filingSection 508
May 31Annual information statementSection 510

June

DeadlineObligationReference
June 15Advance tax payment (second instalment)Section 408
June 30TDS certificate issuance (Q4)Section 395(4)

July

DeadlineObligationReference
July 31Return of income filing for companies and audit casesSection 263(1)(c)
July 31Tax audit report filingSection 63

August

DeadlineObligationReference
August 31Return of income filing for partners of audit casesSection 263(1)(c)

September

DeadlineObligationReference
September 15Advance tax payment (third instalment)Section 408
September 30Transfer Pricing report filingSection 172

October

DeadlineObligationReference
October 31Annual compliance audit report (RAs)Regulation 25(3)
October 31TDS return filing (Q1)Section 397(3)(b)

November

DeadlineObligationReference
November 30Return of income filing (TP cases)Section 263(1)(c)

December

DeadlineObligationReference
December 15Advance tax payment (fourth instalment)Section 408
December 31TDS return filing (Q2)Section 397(3)(b)

January

DeadlineObligationReference
January 31TDS certificate issuance (Q3)Section 395(4)

February

DeadlineObligationReference
February 28TDS return filing (Q3)Section 397(3)(b)

March

DeadlineObligationReference
March 15Advance tax payment (final instalment)Section 408
March 31Financial year end-

Key Compliance Obligations

Return of Income Filing

CategoryDue DateReference
Individuals (non-audit)May 31Section 263(1)(c)
CompaniesJuly 31Section 263(1)(c)
Audit cases (non-company)July 31Section 263(1)(c)
Partners of audit casesAugust 31Section 263(1)(c)
Transfer Pricing casesNovember 30Section 263(1)(c)

Advance Tax Payment

InstalmentDue DateAmountReference
FirstApril 3015%Section 408
SecondJune 1545% (cumulative)Section 408
ThirdSeptember 1575% (cumulative)Section 408
FourthDecember 15100% (cumulative)Section 408

TDS Compliance

ObligationDue DateReference
TDS payment (Q1)July 31Section 397(3)(a)
TDS payment (Q2)October 31Section 397(3)(a)
TDS payment (Q3)January 31Section 397(3)(a)
TDS payment (Q4)April 30Section 397(3)(a)
TDS return (Q1)July 31Section 397(3)(b)
TDS return (Q2)October 31Section 397(3)(b)
TDS return (Q3)January 31Section 397(3)(b)
TDS return (Q4)April 30Section 397(3)(b)

TCS Compliance

ObligationDue DateReference
TCS paymentMonthly (7 days)Section 397(3)(a)
TCS returnQuarterlySection 397(3)(b)

Tax Audit

ObligationDue DateReference
Tax audit report filingJuly 31Section 63
Audit report for TP casesSeptember 30Section 172

Special Compliance Obligations

Research Analysts

ObligationDue DateReference
Annual compliance auditOctober 31Regulation 25(3)
Complaint data disclosureMonthly (7th)Investor Charter
Periodic report (half-yearly)April 30/October 30SEBI Circular

Transfer Pricing

ObligationDue DateReference
TP documentationSeptember 30Section 171
TP report filingSeptember 30Section 172

Foreign Assets Reporting

ObligationDue DateReference
Foreign assets disclosureWith returnSection 263(2)(b)

Statement of Financial Transaction

ObligationDue DateReference
SFT filingMay 31Section 508

Penalty and Interest Provisions

Late Filing Fees

Delay PeriodFeeReference
Up to 1 monthRs. 1,000/5,000Section 428
Beyond 1 monthRs. 1,000/5,000Section 428

Interest for Default

DefaultRateReference
Late filing of return1% per monthSection 423
Shortfall in advance tax1% per monthSection 424
Deferment of advance tax1% per monthSection 425

Expert Legal Guidance

Anuj Desai & Associates provides comprehensive legal advisory services on direct tax compliance. Our direct tax experts help taxpayers and businesses understand their compliance obligations, meet deadlines, and navigate the regulatory framework. We assist in compliance planning, filing, and representation before income-tax authorities.


Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on direct tax compliance or any other matter, please consult qualified legal professionals.


Need Expert Legal Guidance?

Navigating the complex direct tax compliance framework requires experienced legal counsel. At Anuj Desai & Associates, we provide comprehensive direct tax advisory services, including:

  • Compliance Planning: Strategic planning for compliance
  • Filing Assistance: Assistance with return filing and reporting
  • Representation: Representation before income-tax authorities
  • Risk Management: Mitigating compliance risks

Contact us for expert legal guidance on your direct tax compliance matters.


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