Compliance

Compliance Calendar in the Month of March 2026

Compliance Calendar in the Month of March 2026

 

Introduction

March 2026 is an important compliance month for businesses as it includes regular monthly filings along with advance tax payment deadlines. Most returns relate to February 2026 transactions under GST, PF, ESI, and Income Tax laws. This compliance calendar highlights all key due dates falling in March 2026 to help businesses avoid last-minute penalties.

 

In Brief

  • Covers all GST, PF, ESI, and Income Tax deadlines in March 2026.
  • Includes monthly GST returns such as GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-7, and GSTR-8.
  • Lists PF, ESI, TDS deposit, and advance tax due dates.
  • Explains QRMP, IFF, and PMT-06 timelines applicable in March.
  • Useful for finance teams, HR teams, startups, and compliance professionals.

Important Due Dates of GST Returns – March 2026

Due Date

Form

Period

Applicable To

10.03.2026

GSTR-7

February 2026

GST TDS deductors

10.03.2026

GSTR-8

February 2026

E-commerce operators (TCS)

11.03.2026

GSTR-1 (Monthly)

February 2026

Monthly filers

13.03.2026

GSTR-1 (IFF)

February 2026

QRMP taxpayers

13.03.2026

GSTR-5

February 2026

Non-resident taxable persons

13.03.2026

GSTR-6

February 2026

Input Service Distributors

20.03.2026

GSTR-5A

February 2026

OIDAR service providers

20.03.2026

GSTR-3B

February 2026

Monthly filers

25.03.2026

PMT-06

February 2026

QRMP taxpayers

 

Notes

  • PMT-06 is mandatory for taxpayers under the QRMP scheme for February 2026 tax payment.
  • There is no CMP-08 or quarterly GSTR-3B due in March 2026.
  • Invoice Furnishing Facility is available until 13 March 2026.

 

Essential Due Dates of Income Tax / PF / ESI Compliance – March 2026

 

Due Date

Form / Compliance

Period

Who Should File

07.03.2026

Deposit of TDS / TCS

February 2026

All deductors

15.03.2026

PF Contribution & ECR Filing

February 2026

EPFO-registered employers

15.03.2026

ESI Contribution & Return Filing

February 2026

ESIC-registered employers

15.03.2026

Advance Tax Payment (Fourth Installment)

FY 2025-26

Taxpayers liable to advance tax

 

Notes

  • Advance tax payment by 15 March covers 100 percent of total tax liability for FY 2025-26.
  • PF and ESI payments must be deposited by the 15th without delay.
  • No quarterly TDS return filing is due in March 2026.

 

Penalty for Late Filing of GSTR-3B

  • ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST).
  • ₹20 per day for nil returns.
  • Interest at 18 percent per year on unpaid tax.
  • Late fee caps apply as per CBIC notifications.

 

Conclusion  

March 2026 includes key monthly GST filings along with advance tax payment obligations. Businesses must plan GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, PF, ESI, TDS deposits, and advance tax payments on time to close the financial year without compliance gaps. Regular monitoring of official portals like www.gst.gov.in, www.incometax.gov.in, www.epfindia.gov.in, and www.esic.gov.in helps avoid last-minute issue

Suggested Read :

Compliance Calendar for February 2026
Compliance Calendar for January 2026
GST Compliance Calendar for FY 2025-26
LLP Compliance Calendar FY 2025-26

 

FAQs on Compliance Calendar March 2026

1. When is GSTR-1 due in March 2026?

Monthly GSTR-1 for February 2026 must be filed by 11 March 2026. Businesses under the QRMP scheme do not file monthly GSTR-1, but they may upload February invoices through the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) until 13 March 2026.

2. When is GSTR-3B due in March 2026?

GSTR-3B for February 2026 must be filed by 20 March 2026 by taxpayers following the monthly filing system.

3. Is CMP-08 due in March 2026?

No. CMP-08 is filed quarterly by composition taxpayers and is not due in March 2026.

4. When are PF and ESI filings due in March 2026?

PF and ESI contributions along with return filings for February 2026 must be completed by 15 March 2026. Delays may attract interest and penalties.

5. What is the advance tax due date in March 2026?

The final installment of advance tax for the financial year 2025-26 must be paid by 15 March 2026 by applicable taxpayers.

6. Who must file GSTR-7 in March 2026?

Entities required to deduct TDS under GST must file GSTR-7 by 10 March 2026 for deductions made during February 2026.

7. Who should file GSTR-8?

E-commerce operators collecting TCS under GST must file GSTR-8 by 10 March 2026 for February 2026 transactions.

8. Is IFF filing available in March 2026?

Yes. QRMP taxpayers can upload their February 2026 invoices using the Invoice Furnishing Facility (IFF) until 13 March 2026 to enable timely input tax credit for recipients.

9. Are any quarterly GST returns due in March 2026?

No. March 2026 does not include any quarterly GST return deadlines. Only monthly GST compliance filings apply during this month.

10. Where can I check official compliance updates?

Taxpayers should regularly visit gst.gov.in, incometax.gov.in, epfindia.gov.in, and esic.gov.in to track notifications, circulars, and any due date extensions issued by the authorities.

 

Steffy A

Steffy Alvin is a Content Writer at Ebizfiling who turned her passion for writing into a full-time career. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from MS University, Baroda, and later pursued her post-graduation in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same university. With a strong command of both content writing and copywriting, Steffy enjoys creating simple, clear, and engaging content that helps readers understand complex topics with ease. Outside of work, Steffy spends her time journaling, writing poetry, capturing photos, and shooting videos. She is also an active digital creator.

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