ITR Filing Deadline Extended: Taxpayers Get More Time, New Due Date is September 15

In a significant relief for taxpayers across the country, the Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). The last date, which was earlier set at July 31, 2025, has now been pushed to September 15, 2025. This decision was announced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) via an official statement and social media posts on May 27, 2025.

Why Has the ITR Deadline Been Extended?

The extension comes due to a delay in the release of ITR forms and associated system updates. According to the CBDT, this delay impacted the development of essential utilities, system integration, and the reflection of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) credits—components that are crucial for a seamless ITR filing process.

The CBDT stated:

“The due date for filing Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2025-26 has been extended from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025, due to delays in the notification of ITR forms and corresponding system developments.”

Who Will Benefit from the Deadline Extension?

The extended deadline is especially beneficial for salaried employees and individuals who are not required to get their accounts audited. These taxpayers, who typically file their returns under ITR-1 or ITR-2, will now have an additional 46 days to complete their filings.

Here's how this change impacts taxpayers:

• Avoid late fees: Missing the original July deadline would have attracted a penalty of ₹5,000 under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.

• More time for documentation: Taxpayers now get extra time to reconcile Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), and TDS credits.

• Peace of mind: No need to rush; the extension allows for accurate filing without last-minute stress.

What Is the ITR Filing Penalty for Missing the Deadline?

If a taxpayer fails to file their return by the final extended date of September 15, 2025, they may face:

• A late filing penalty of up to ₹5,000.

• Interest on tax due under Section 234A.

• Ineligibility to carry forward certain losses, such as those from capital gains or business income.

Hence, this extension gives taxpayers an excellent opportunity to file accurately and avoid unnecessary financial penalties.

Key Reasons Behind the Extension

CBDT outlined several reasons for this extension:

Delayed notification of ITR forms for the assessment year.

System development and integration requirements to accommodate new changes.

Testing of ITR utilities for accurate and smooth functionality.

Updates in TDS credit reflection mechanisms for better transparency and compliance.

These steps aim to enhance the tax filing experience by making it more accurate, efficient, and taxpayer-friendly.

Important Points for Taxpayers

• New Deadline: September 15, 2025

• Applies To: Individual taxpayers not subject to audit

• Financial Year: 2024-25

• Assessment Year: 2025-26

• Penalty if Missed: ₹5,000 + interest

Tips for Easy and Timely ITR Filing

Gather necessary documents: Form 16, TDS certificates, investment proofs, Form 26AS, AIS.

Reconcile tax credits: Ensure all TDS and advance tax payments are correctly reflected.

Use the official portal: File returns through .

Verify details carefully: Ensure there are no mismatches in PAN, bank account, or income sources.

E-verify your return: Complete the final step of e-verification within 30 days of filing.

Final Words

The Income Tax Department’s decision to extend the ITR filing deadline offers welcome relief to millions of taxpayers. It not only allows for better compliance but also helps individuals avoid penalties and file returns with greater accuracy. If you haven't started your ITR process yet, now is the time to begin. With the new deadline of September 15, 2025, you have ample time to gather documents, consult experts if needed, and file your returns without any last-minute stress.