The deadline for filing Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25) ends today, September 15. Taxpayers have been waiting for a possible due date extension because of glitches on the income tax e-filing portal. However, the Income Tax Department has confirmed that there will be no further extension beyond today.
This means that September 15, 2025, is the final due date for ITR filing for salaried individuals, pensioners, HUFs, and other non-audit cases.
ITR Filing Deadline 2025
| Event | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Original deadline for ITR filing (non-audit cases) | July 31, 2025 |
| Extended deadline announced | September 15, 2025 |
| Belated return deadline (with penalty) | December 31, 2025 |
| Deadline for audit cases | Later dates as per Income Tax rules |
The government had earlier extended the deadline from July 31 to September 15 to provide relief to taxpayers. But as glitches continued, many expected another extension.
Why Taxpayers Expected ITR Filing Extension 2025
Many individuals and professionals reported technical issues on the official income tax e-filing portal. Common problems included:
- Login failures and session timeouts.
- Errors in downloading Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS).
- Mismatch of data between AIS, TIS, and Form 26AS.
- Delayed release of updated utilities for filing returns.
Because of these issues, several chartered accountants’ associations and tax bodies urged the government to push the ITR due date to September 30, 2025. Even the BJP CA Cell requested an extension.
Adding to confusion, false messages circulated on social media claiming that the deadline was extended. The Income Tax Department clarified these claims are fake and advised taxpayers to rely only on official sources.
What Happens If You Miss the ITR Filing Deadline?
If you do not file your ITR by September 15, 2025, you can still file a belated return. However, this comes with penalties and some restrictions:
- Belated ITR filing last date: December 31, 2025.
- Penalty for late filing:
- ₹1,000 if income is up to ₹5 lakh.
- ₹5,000 if income is above ₹5 lakh.
- Interest charges: Payable on outstanding tax.
- Loss of benefits: You cannot carry forward certain losses (like business loss or capital loss) if you file late.
Thus, missing the deadline can cost taxpayers both money and tax benefits.
Government’s Official Stand
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Income Tax Department have confirmed that September 15 is the final deadline for non-audit cases.
The department also shared tips for those facing portal glitches:
- Clear browser cache or try a different browser.
- Contact the 24×7 helpdesk of the income tax portal.
- Save screenshots of errors as proof in case of disputes.
Officials also warned taxpayers to ignore fake messages about extension beyond September 15.
How to File ITR Before the Deadline
If you are yet to file your ITR, here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the official portal: www.incometax.gov.in.
- Log in with your PAN and password.
- Select the correct ITR form for AY 2025-26.
- Fill in income, deduction, and tax details carefully.
- Cross-check with Form 26AS and AIS/TIS.
- Submit the return and e-verify it online.
Remember: Without e-verification, your ITR will not be considered valid.
Why Timely ITR Filing is Important
Filing your return on time not only avoids penalties but also gives other advantages:
- Faster processing of tax refunds.
- Proof of income for loans, visas, and financial purposes.
- Avoids compliance notices from the tax department.
- Allows carry forward of eligible losses for future years.