# Freelancers face Aug 31 ITR deadline, choose ITR-3 or ITR-4

2026-08-09T10:02:49+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Freelancers and self-employed professionals must file income tax returns by August 31, 2026, for assessment year 2026-27, unless a tax audit applies, which extends the deadline to October 31, 2026. Unlike salaried staff, freelancers report income from multiple clients and foreign sources, which is fully taxable in India. Livemint reports that freelancers who opt for presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA can use ITR-4, while those maintaining regular books or having capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh must file ITR-3. The income tax department has also released online and offline utilities for ITR-5, used by firms, LLPs, AOPs and cooperative societies, with similar deadlines. Freelancers with foreign clients must pay advance tax if total liability exceeds Rs 10,000, as foreign clients rarely deduct Indian TDS.

## Coverage

- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/itr-guide-for-freelancers-know-the-correct-return-form-and-filing-process-ahead-of-august-31-deadline-11786261775792.html>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/itr5-online-and-offline-utilities-released-for-ay-2026-27-know-who-can-file-this-form-key-deadlines-and-more-11786278277570.html>

Tags: foreign income, freelancers, Income tax, ITR, Section 44ADA, tax deadline
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