Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Due Date Extension

Introduction

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is one of the most important responsibilities of every taxpayer in India. Each year, lakhs of people rush to complete the process before the due date. This year, due to delays in notifying ITR forms and technical issues on the e-filing portal, the government decided to extend the ITR filing deadline. This move has given relief to taxpayers, professionals, and businesses who were struggling to complete their filings on time.

Extended Due Date for ITR Filing

The due date to file Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25) has been extended. Originally, the last date was 31 July 2025. Now, the government has given extra time, extending the deadline to 15 September 2025 for individual taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and others who are not required to get their accounts audited.

For those who need an audit, such as businesses and professionals covered under audit requirements, the due date continues to remain later in the year.

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

There are several reasons behind this extension:

Delay in releasing updated ITR forms and utilities.
Technical glitches and slow performance of the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Increased workload on professionals due to overlapping compliance deadlines.
Requests from taxpayers and industry bodies for additional time to file accurately.

The government considered these issues and provided additional time so that taxpayers can avoid mistakes and penalties.

What Happens If You Miss the Extended Deadline?

Even though the deadline is extended, taxpayers should not delay. Missing the 15 September 2025 deadline can lead to:

Late Fee under Section 234F: Up to ₹5,000 if your income is above ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if your income is below ₹5 lakh.
Interest under Section 234A: If you have pending tax liability, you may have to pay interest from the original due date until payment is made.
Loss of Benefits: You may not be able to carry forward certain losses or claim some deductions if you file late.
Refund Delays: Filing after the deadline can also delay your income tax refund.

Belated Returns

If you are unable to file by 15 September, you can still file a belated return. The belated return for AY 2025-26 can be filed up to 31 December 2025, but it will come with penalties and restrictions.

Steps to File ITR Smoothly

To avoid last-minute rush and errors, here are some useful tips:

Collect All Documents Early – Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, bank statements, investment proofs.
Choose the Correct ITR Form – Based on your income type (salary, business, capital gains, etc.).
File Early – Don’t wait till the last day as the portal becomes overloaded.
Pay Pending Taxes – Clear self-assessment tax or advance tax if any is due.
Verify Your Return – After filing, complete e-verification to make your ITR valid.
Keep Proofs Safe – Always save acknowledgment and verification receipts.

Final Thoughts

The extension of the ITR filing due date to 15 September 2025 is a welcome relief, but taxpayers should not misuse this extra time. Filing early reduces stress, avoids portal issues, and ensures quicker refunds. If you are unsure about the filing process or deductions, it is always better to consult a tax professional.

Timely compliance not only saves you from penalties but also gives peace of mind knowing your financial obligations are complete.

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