What this means
Section 43B of IT Act 1961 (taxes, duties, PF/ESI contributions, gratuity, bonus, interest to financial institutions deductible only on actual payment before due date of filing; MSME payments within 45 days) maps to Section 44 of IT Act 2025. The actual-payment rule including MSME payment deadline is retained. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
Change type — Section renumbered
The section number changed when the IT Act 1961 was reorganised into the IT Act 2025. The substance, rates, thresholds, and conditions are preserved. Any reference to the old section number in contracts, certificates, or returns before 1 April 2026 remains valid under the transitional provisions in §536.
Effective date
This change takes effect from 1 April 2026 (Tax Year 2026-27 onwards). For income earned before 1 April 2026, the old Section 43B continues to apply under the transitional provisions of Section 536 of the IT Act 2025. Returns for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) are filed under the IT Act 1961 — old section numbers apply.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Section 43B go in the Income Tax Act 2025?▾
Section 43B of the IT Act 1961 maps to 44 in the IT Act 2025, effective 1 April 2026. Section 43B of IT Act 1961 (taxes, duties, PF/ESI contributions, gratuity, bonus, interest to financial institutions deductible only on actual payment before due date of filing; MSME payments within 45 days) maps to Section 44 of IT Act 2025. The actual-payment rule including MSME payment deadline is retained. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
Does Section 43B still apply for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)?▾
Yes. For income earned in FY 2025-26 (April 2025 to March 2026), the IT Act 1961 continues to apply — including Section 43B. The IT Act 2025 (and its new section numbering) applies from Tax Year 2026-27 (income earned on or after 1 April 2026). Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.
What is the new section number for 43B in the IT Act 2025?▾
The new corresponding provision is 44 under the Income Tax Act 2025. Change type: Section renumbered. The section number changed when the IT Act 1961 was reorganised into the IT Act 2025. The substance, rates, thresholds, and conditions are preserved. Any reference to the old section number in contracts, certificates, or returns before 1 April 2026 remains valid under the transitional provisions in §536. Verify on the income-tax portal before filing.