Tax Audit Checklist for AY 2026-27 and Tax Year 2026-27
At a Glance
| Parameter | AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) | Tax Year 2026-27 (from April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing provision | Section 44AB, IT Act 1961 | Section 63, IT Act 2025 |
| Audit form | Form 3CA / 3CB + Form 3CD | Form 26 (new — under IT Rules 2026) |
| Business turnover threshold | ₹1 crore (₹10 crore if >95% digital) | Same |
| Profession gross receipt threshold | ₹50 lakh | Same |
| Audit report due date | 30 September 2026 | 30 September 2027 |
| ITR due date — audit cases | 31 October 2026 | 31 October 2027 |
| Audit fee / penalty for non-compliance | Lower of 0.5% of turnover or ₹1.5 lakh | Same |
| Nature of Section 271B amount | Fee (changed from penalty per Budget 2026) | Fee |
| ICAI audit limit | 60 audits per CA partner from April 2026 | 60 per partner |
| Form 3CD Clause 26 — MSME | Mandatory from AY 2024-25 | Form 26 equivalent clause |
Who Needs a Tax Audit — Eligibility Checklist
Category A — Business:
- Total turnover/gross receipts exceeds ₹1 crore — audit required
- If >95% of receipts AND >95% of payments are through banking channels — threshold is ₹10 crore
- Is the 95% digital threshold genuinely met? Verify bank statements, cash book, and UPI records
- Opted for presumptive taxation (Section 44AD) in prior 5 years but now declaring income below presumptive rate — audit required
- Opted for presumptive taxation (Section 44ADA for professionals) and declaring below 50% — audit required
Category B — Profession:
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