New Delhi, September 8, 2025 — As the last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) looms on September 15, concerns are mounting over whether the deadline will be extended again. Given widespread technical glitches and persistent demand from taxpayers and professionals, it’s time to assess your next steps.
Current Filing Deadlines & Extensions
- For individuals, HUFs, and others not requiring audit, ITR filing deadline has already been extended from July 31 to September 15, 2025.
- Audit-mandated taxpayers—including companies and professionals—have a later deadline of October 31, 2025.
- Belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2025, though they attract penalties and interest.
Is a Deadline Extension Likely?
Across regions, tax associations are increasingly urging the government to grant more time:
- The Bhilwara Tax Bar Association cited delays in new ITR utilities and festive distractions, urging CBEC for an extension.
- The BJP Chartered Accountants Cell and others flagged portal breakdowns, mismatch issues, and reduced working days among reasons to extend the deadline.
- Similarly, the FKCCI (Karnataka) and CAAS (Surat) raised issues like confusing form changes and compliance overload, seeking further relief.
- Despite growing pressure, no official extension has been announced yet. Government sources remain silent as concerns continue rising.
Filing Snapshot: How Are Taxpayers Faring?
- As of September 4, around 4.56 crore returns have been filed, including 4.33 crore e-verified filings. About 3.17 crore returns have been processed.
- With approximately 3 crore returns still pending, pressure is building for timely submissions—and potentially, another deadline shift.
Penalties & Interest: Why Timely Filing Matters
Miss the September 15 deadline, and you’ll face:
- Late filing penalties: Up to ₹5,000, depending on your income bracket.
- Interest at 1% per month on any unpaid tax due under Section 234A.
Who Needs to File Regardless of Income?
Even those with salary under ₹3 lakh may need to file ITR if they have:
- Foreign income or assets
- Excessive bank transactions
- And other special conditions under the tax law
Quick Recap: ITR Deadlines and Options
| Assessment Year | Category | Filing Deadline | Extended Filing Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| AY 2025–26 | Non-audit taxpayers | September 15, 2025 | Belated until December 31, 2025 |
| Audit-required taxpayers | October 31, 2025 | Same (or ITR-U by March 31, 2030) | |
| AY 2025–26 | All — pending revision | — | ITR-U allowed up to 4 years |
What Should You Do Now?
- Don’t wait for a possible extension—fail-safe your filing before September 15, if you haven’t already.
- Prepare documents early—remember to download Form 16 and Form 26AS properly from the Income Tax portal.
- Expect delays in refunds, as extended filing could increase backlog and interest payouts.