The month of March 2026 is one of the most crucial compliance periods for businesses, professionals and taxpayers in India. It marks the end of Financial Year 2025-26, and several statutory filings under GST, Income Tax, Provident Fund (PF), and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) must be completed before the financial year closes.
Missing these due dates can result in interest, penalties, and compliance notices, making it essential for taxpayers to stay updated with all statutory obligations.
Additionally, another major development is that the New Income Tax Act, 2025 is expected to come into effect from 1 April 2026, replacing many provisions of the existing Income Tax Act, 1961.
This article provides a detailed compliance calendar for March 2026 covering GST, Income Tax, PF and ESI obligations.
1. Income Tax Compliance Due Dates – March 2026
1.1 Advance Tax – Final Installment
Due Date: 15 March 2026
Taxpayers whose total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year are required to pay advance tax in four installments.
The fourth and final installment must be paid by 15 March 2026.
Advance Tax Installment Structure
| Installment | Due Date | Tax Payable |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 15 June | 15% |
| 2nd | 15 September | 45% |
| 3rd | 15 December | 75% |
| 4th | 15 March | 100% |
Failure to pay advance tax may lead to interest under Sections 234B and 234C.
Special Provision – Presumptive Taxation
Taxpayers opting for Section 44AD / 44ADA presumptive taxation can pay the entire advance tax by 31 March 2026.
1.2 Updated Income Tax Return (ITR-U)
Due Date: 31 March 2026
Taxpayers who missed filing their ITR for FY 2020-21 (AY 2021-22) can still file an Updated Return (ITR-U) by 31 March 2026.
After this date, filing ITR for that year will not be possible.
1.3 TDS Payment – February 2026
Due Date: 7 March 2026
All persons who deducted tax at source must deposit TDS for February 2026 by 7 March 2026.
1.4 Tax Saving Investments under Old Regime
Due Date: 31 March 2026
Individuals opting for the old tax regime must complete their tax-saving investments before 31 March 2026.
Eligible deductions include:
• Section 80C investments (PPF, ELSS, LIC, etc.)
• Section 80D – Health insurance
• Section 80CCD(1B) – NPS
• Housing loan principal repayment
These deductions cannot be claimed if investments are made after 31 March.
2. GST Compliance Due Dates – March 2026
Businesses registered under GST must ensure timely filing of returns and reconciliation before the financial year ends.
2.1 GSTR-7 – TDS Return under GST
Due Date: 10 March 2026
Applicable to entities deducting tax under GST.
2.2 GSTR-1 – Outward Supplies
Due Date: 11 March 2026
Businesses filing GST returns monthly must submit GSTR-1 for February 2026 by 11 March.
This return contains details of outward supplies.
2.3 GSTR-6 – Input Service Distributor
Due Date: 13 March 2026
Applicable to Input Service Distributors (ISD).
2.4 GSTR-1 IFF – QRMP Scheme
Due Date: 13 March 2026
Businesses under QRMP scheme can upload B2B invoices using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF).
2.5 GSTR-3B – Monthly GST Return
Due Date: 20 March 2026
Monthly taxpayers must file GSTR-3B for February 2026.
This is a summary return containing:
• Tax liability
• Input tax credit
• Tax payment
2.6 GSTR-5A – OIDAR Services
Due Date: 20 March 2026
Filed by overseas service providers supplying online information and database services in India.
2.7 PMT-06 – QRMP Scheme
Due Date: 25 March 2026
Tax payment for February under QRMP scheme.
2.8 GSTR-11 – UIN Holders
Due Date: 28 March 2026
Filed by entities such as:
• Embassies
• UN organizations
• Multilateral agencies
2.9 LUT Filing (Exporters)
Due Date: 31 March 2026
Exporters wishing to supply goods/services without payment of GST in FY 2026-27 must file Form GST RFD-11 (LUT) before 31 March 2026.
2.10 Composition Scheme Option
Due Date: 31 March 2026
Taxpayers who wish to opt for Composition Scheme for FY 2026-27 must file Form CMP-02 before 31 March 2026.
Eligibility turnover limit:
• Traders / Manufacturers – ₹1.5 crore
• Service providers – ₹50 lakh
3. PF Compliance Due Dates – March 2026
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contribution must be deposited every month.
PF Contribution
Due Date: 15 March 2026
Employers must deposit PF contributions for February 2026 wages by 15 March 2026.
This includes:
• Employee contribution
• Employer contribution
Failure to deposit PF on time may result in interest and penalties under EPF Act.
4. ESI Compliance Due Dates – March 2026
ESI Contribution Payment
Due Date: 15 March 2026
Employers registered under ESIC must deposit ESI contribution for February 2026 by 15 March 2026.
ESI Return Filing
ESI returns are filed twice a year:
| Period | Due Date |
|---|---|
| April – September | 11 November |
| October – March | 11 May |
5. Important Year-End Compliance Checks Before 31 March 2026
Apart from statutory filings, businesses should perform year-end reconciliations.
GST Reconciliation
Businesses should reconcile:
• GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B
• Books turnover vs GST turnover
• ITC as per books vs GSTR-2B
• E-way bill vs sales
Income Tax Reconciliation
Businesses should verify:
• AIS vs books of accounts
• TDS credits in Form 26AS
• Turnover reconciliation between GST and Income Tax.
Turnover-Based Compliance Check
Businesses must calculate annual turnover to determine applicability of the following compliances for next year:
| Turnover | Compliance |
|---|---|
| ₹5 crore+ | E-Invoicing |
| ₹2 crore+ | GST Annual Return |
| ₹1.5 crore+ | Composition scheme not allowed |
6. Major Tax Change from 1 April 2026
The Government has introduced the New Income Tax Act, 2025, which is expected to become effective from 1 April 2026.
The new Act aims to:
• simplify tax provisions
• reduce complexity
• modernize tax compliance
Taxpayers should therefore complete pending compliance before the transition.
March is the most important compliance month of the financial year. Businesses, professionals and taxpayers must ensure timely completion of statutory obligations to avoid penalties and legal consequences.
Key actions before 31 March 2026 include:
• Payment of advance tax
• GST reconciliation and return filings
• PF and ESI contributions
• LUT filing for exporters
• Composition scheme option
• Updated income tax return filing
• Tax-saving investments
Maintaining a proper compliance calendar can help businesses remain penalty-free and legally compliant.
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