Regulatory updates for CAs
Rules in force for tax year 2026-27, then the latest notices from PIB and RBI that a CA acts on. Each links to the official source; confirm the wording there before relying on it. Latest: 2026-11-03.
- Income taxin forceCBDT· 28 Sep 2026AY 2026-27: audit-case returns extended to 21 Nov 2026, tax audit reports to 21 Oct 2026
CBDT Circular 07/2026 (28 Sep 2026). Non-audit and transfer pricing dates are unchanged.
- Labourin forceEPFO· 17 Sep 2026EPF wage ceiling raised to ₹25,000 from 17 September 2026
Contributions and PF coverage now use ₹25,000 instead of ₹15,000 (S.O. 5109(E)). Check payroll from the September 2026 wage month.
- Income taxin forceCBDT· 1 Apr 2026Income-tax Rules 2026 renumber the forms
For tax year 2026-27 onwards: Form 16 → 130, 24Q → 138, 26Q → 140, 27Q → 144, 26QB/QC/QD → 141, 15G/15H → 121, 15CA/CB → 145/146, 3CA-3CD → 26, 3CEB → 48. FY 2025-26 filings keep the old numbers.
- Budgetin forceFinance Act 2026· 1 Apr 2026Non-audit business returns now due 31 August; revised returns until 31 March
ITR-1/2 stay at 31 July. MAT cut to 14% and made a final tax; TCS on overseas tours and LRS education/medical cut to 2%; late tax audit fee ₹75,000 / ₹1.5 lakh. Slabs unchanged.
- Income taxin forceCBDT· 1 Apr 2026Income-tax Act, 2025 in force from 1 April 2026
Replaces the 1961 Act. 'Tax year' replaces previous year / assessment year, and forms are renumbered under the Income-tax Rules 2026: check the new form number before every filing.
- MCAin forceMCA· 31 Mar 2026Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC) now once every 3 years, due 30 June
From 31 Mar 2026 (G.S.R. 943(E)). Changes in contact details still have to be reported within 30 days.
- Income taxin forceIncome Tax Department· 1 Jan 2026PANs not linked with Aadhaar became inoperative from 1 Jan 2026
Refunds stop and TDS/TCS applies at higher rates. Linking now costs ₹1,000.
- Labourin forceMinistry of Labour & Employment· 21 Nov 2025Four Labour Codes in force from 21 November 2025
Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and OSH codes replace 29 labour laws. 'Wages' must be at least 50% of pay, which changes PF, gratuity and bonus bases; state rules are still being notified.
- GSTin forceCBIC· 1 Nov 2025Simplified GST registration in 3 working days (Rule 14A)
From 1 Nov 2025 for applicants whose output tax to registered buyers is up to ₹2.5 lakh a month.
- GSTin forceCBIC· 22 Sep 2025GST rates rationalised to two main slabs from 22 September 2025
Most goods and services move to 5% or 18%; a 40% rate applies to a short list of luxury and sin goods. Check HSN rates on sales invoices dated on or after 22 Sep 2025.
- GSTin forceCBIC· 17 Sep 2025GSTR-9 optional for turnover up to ₹2 crore
Notification 15/2025-CT, from FY 2024-25. GSTR-9C (self-certified) applies above ₹5 crore.
- GSTin forceGSTN· 1 Apr 2025E-invoices must be reported within 30 days (AATO ₹10 crore and above)
Since 1 April 2025 the IRP rejects invoices older than 30 days for taxpayers with aggregate turnover of ₹10 crore or more.
- FEMA / RBIRBI notifications· 3 Nov 2026Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPARTMENT CENTRAL OFFICE Mumbai 400 001 Notification No. FEMA 23(R)/(2)/2026-RB November 02, 2026 Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 In exercise of the powers conferred
- FEMA / RBIRBI notifications· 23 Oct 2026Delegation of Compounding of certain Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 to Regional Offices of the Reserve Bank
RBI/FED/2026-27/298 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular. No 28/2026-27 October 23, 2026 To, All Authorised Dealer Category-I banks and other Authorised Persons Madam / Sir, Delegation of Compounding of certain Contraventions under FEMA, 1999 to Regional Offices of the Reserve Bank Attenti
- GSTGST Council· 8 Oct 202657th GST Council recommends automatic amendments and cancellations, auto refunds and lower penalties
Recommendations of 8 Oct 2026, not yet law: GSTR-1 to 3B alignment from the April 2027 return, no notices below ₹10,000, prosecution threshold ₹5 crore, late fee waiver for small taxpayers filing within the month.
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