
For businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs in India, staying compliant with tax and regulatory deadlines is critical to avoid penalties and maintain smooth operations. The month of March is especially important as it marks the financial year-end compliance period, making it essential for companies to track all filing deadlines carefully.
This March 2026 Compliance Calendar outlines all the key statutory due dates including GST filings, TDS payments, PF & ESI returns, professional tax, and advance tax obligations.
If you are a startup founder, business owner, accountant, or finance professional, keeping track of these deadlines will help ensure smooth financial closure for FY 2025-26.
Why the March Compliance Calendar is Important for Businesses
March is one of the most crucial months in the financial year because it involves:
- Final tax planning for the financial year
- Advance tax payments
- GST and TDS compliance
- Employee statutory payments like PF and ESI
- Preparation for financial year closure
Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, interest, and compliance notices from tax authorities. Therefore, businesses should plan their compliance activities well in advance.
March 2026 Compliance Calendar – Important Due Dates
7 March 2026
TDS / TCS Payment for February 2026
Businesses that have deducted TDS or collected TCS in February 2026 must deposit the amount with the government by this date.
10 March 2026
Professional Tax (PT) Payment on Salaries for February 2026
Employers must deposit professional tax deducted from employee salaries as per applicable state laws.
11 March 2026
GSTR-1 Filing (Monthly) for February 2026
Registered taxpayers filing GST returns monthly must submit their outward supply details in GSTR-1.
13 March 2026
GSTR-1 IFF (Invoice Furnishing Facility) – Optional for QRMP Taxpayers
Taxpayers under the QRMP scheme can optionally report B2B invoices for February using the IFF facility.
15 March 2026
Advance Tax Payment (January – March 2026 Quarter)
This is the final installment of advance tax for the financial year 2025-26.
Tax Planning & Book Closure Preparation
Businesses should complete tax planning activities and prepare books of accounts before the financial year ends.
Provident Fund (PF) & ESI Payment and Returns for February 2026
Employers must deposit PF and ESI contributions and file required returns.
20 March 2026
GSTR-3B Filing for February 2026
Monthly GST taxpayers must file the summary return and pay GST liability.
Composition Scheme Application (CMP-02) for FY 2026-27 – Start
Businesses wishing to opt for the GST Composition Scheme for FY 2026-27 can begin filing Form CMP-02.
25 March 2026
GST Challan Payment for Quarterly Filers (If ITC is insufficient)
Taxpayers under the QRMP scheme must deposit GST liability if input tax credit is insufficient.
30 March 2026
TDS Payment under Form 26QB, 26QC, 26QD & 26QE
- Form 26QB – TDS on Property Purchase
- Form 26QC – TDS on Rent
- Form 26QD – TDS on Contractor Payments
- Form 26QE – TDS on Crypto Asset Transactions
These forms must be filed for transactions made in February 2026.
31 March 2026
Last Date to Opt for GST Composition Scheme (CMP-02) for FY 2026-27
This is the final deadline for eligible businesses to apply for the composition scheme for the upcoming financial year.
Common Compliance Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid
- Missing GST return filing deadlines
- Late payment of TDS or advance tax
- Ignoring employee statutory payments (PF & ESI)
- Poor financial year-end planning
- Incorrect GST reporting
These mistakes can lead to penalties, interest liabilities, and unnecessary legal complications.
How NeuSource Startup Helps Businesses Stay Compliant
Managing compliance can be complex for growing startups and businesses. NeuSource Startup provides expert compliance support including:
- GST registration and return filing
- TDS return filing
- Company compliance management
- Startup legal documentation
- Accounting and tax advisory
Our team ensures your business stays compliant while you focus on growth.
Conclusion
The March Compliance Calendar 2026 is packed with important statutory deadlines for businesses across India. Since March marks the end of the financial year, companies should pay extra attention to tax planning, GST filing, and regulatory compliance.
Tracking these dates in advance helps businesses avoid penalties and ensures a smooth financial year closure.
If you want expert support in handling your company’s compliance, NeuSource Startup can help you manage GST, tax filings, and regulatory obligations seamlessly.
Janki Gupta
The internet offers opportunity, but only strategy builds success. Don't just exist online—dominate. Choose Neusource to craft your digital footprint and lead your business to its peak.