📅 Compliance Guide · September 2026

September 2026 GST Calendar: Every Deadline in One Place

GST Converter · 7 min read · As of September 1, 2026

Advance tax, GST returns, EPF filings, and a GST Council meeting that could change the rules mid-month — September is loaded. Here's exactly what's due, when, and what August's record collections tell you about what's coming.

🔑 IN ONE LINE Advance tax (45% cumulative) and EPF for August are due 15 September; GST return dates vary by category — and a GST Council meeting on the 12th could add new rules mid-month.

15 Sep

Advance tax + EPF due

₹2L Cr

GST collected, Aug '26

+14.8%

YoY collection growth

The Big One: Advance Tax

For Tax Year 2026-27, the second advance tax instalment is due 15 September 2026. By this date, you should have paid at least 45% of your estimated annual liability, cumulatively — including the first instalment paid in June.

⚠️New Law, New Forms

TY 2026-27 advance tax is governed by the Income Tax Act 2025, not the old 1961 Act. Some TDS reporting has moved to a new framework — don't assume last year's form numbers still apply.

GST, Payroll & Other Deadlines

Obligation	Due Date	Notes
EPF + ECR (for August)	15 Sep 2026	Electronic challan-cum-return filing
GST returns	Varies	Depends on filing category, state & GST provisions — check your GSTIN specifically
Foreign-owned entities	Varies	Additional compliance obligations may apply
57th GST Council meeting	12 Sep 2026	Could introduce new ITC/registration rules mid-month

The Number Behind the Headlines

India's gross GST collections rose 14.8% year-on-year to nearly ₹2 lakh crore in August 2026, with net collections up 8.3% after refunds. Month-on-month, collections dipped slightly — but the yearly trend is firmly positive.

💡What it means for policy

Strong collections reduce pressure for rate hikes — the Council can focus on process reforms instead of revenue-driven changes.

🛍️What it means for festive sectors

Automobiles, electronics, retail and FMCG are expected to see the biggest collection lift as festive spending ramps up — and more transaction volume means more invoicing pressure.

Your September Checklist

Advance tax instalment (45% cumulative) paid by 15 September

Confirmed you're using the correct form under the Income Tax Act 2025

EPF/ECR for August filed by 15 September

GST returns filed per your specific category's due date

Invoice records reconciled ahead of the 12 Sep Council meeting

Foreign-owned entities: additional obligations confirmed

💡 Almost every deadline above traces back to one thing: clean, reconciled invoice data. Advance tax estimates, GST returns, ITC claims — all of it depends on accurate invoicing.

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Disclaimer: This article summarises publicly reported compliance dates as of September 1, 2026. GST return due dates vary by taxpayer category — verify against your GSTIN filing frequency, and consult a qualified CA for advice specific to your business.