Hey there, taxpayers! As we dive into the tax season for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), there’s some good news for those of us who’ve been sweating about getting our Income Tax Returns (ITR) filed on time. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the ITR filing deadline, giving us a bit more breathing room. Whether you’re a salaried individual, a freelancer, or running a small business, this guide will walk you through the key details about the ITR filing last date for 2025, why it’s been extended, and what you need to do to stay on top of things. Let’s break it down!
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Why the ITR Filing Deadline Was Extended
The usual deadline for filing ITR for non-audit taxpayers is July 31 of the assessment year. But for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the CBDT has pushed this to September 15, 2025. Why the change? Well, the Income Tax Department introduced some significant updates to the ITR forms this year, like new rules for reporting capital gains and enhanced deduction details. These changes required extra time to update the e-filing systems and utilities, especially for complex forms like ITR-2 and ITR-3. The extension ensures taxpayers have enough time to file accurately without the last-minute rush. Plus, it helps the system properly reflect TDS credits, which start showing up in June.
Who Needs to File ITR by September 15, 2025?
This extended deadline applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), professionals, and other taxpayers whose accounts don’t require an audit. If you’re a salaried employee, an NRI, a pensioner, or someone with income from multiple sources like capital gains or rental properties, this is your deadline. However, if your accounts need auditing (like businesses with higher turnovers), the deadline remains October 31, 2025. Even if your income is below the taxable limit (up to ₹12 lakh under the new tax regime with a rebate under Section 87A), filing ITR is still a good idea for claiming refunds or carrying forward losses.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the September 15, 2025, deadline doesn’t mean you’re out of options, but it comes with some consequences. You can file a belated return by December 31, 2025, but you’ll face penalties. Under Section 234F, late filing fees are ₹5,000 if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh, or ₹1,000 if it’s below that. Plus, you’ll owe interest at 1% per month on any unpaid tax under Section 234A. Missing the deadline also means you can’t carry forward losses from investments like stocks or property, which could hurt your future tax savings. If you miss even the belated deadline, you can file an updated return (ITR-U) by March 31, 2027, but with additional taxes of 60% or 70%.
How to File Your ITR: Online and Offline Options
Filing your ITR is easier than ever, thanks to the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in). For online filing, log in with your PAN, select the right ITR form (like ITR-1 for simple salaried income or ITR-2 for capital gains), and fill in details, which are often pre-filled from Form 26AS. For offline filing, download the Excel utilities for ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, or ITR-4, fill them out, generate a JSON file, and upload it to the portal. Make sure to verify your return within 30 days, either electronically or by sending a signed ITR-V to the CPC in Bengaluru. The portal is stable this year, with users reporting lightning-fast processing—some even got refunds in under 4 hours
Tips to File ITR Smoothly by September 15, 2025
To avoid stress, start early. Gather key documents like Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, and Aadhaar. Double-check pre-filled data on the portal for accuracy, especially TDS details. If you’re switching between the new and old tax regimes, note that the new regime is default, but you can opt for the old one by filing Form 10-IEA before the deadline. For salaried folks, Form 16 now reflects changes like a ₹75,000 standard deduction under the new regime. If you’re unsure, consult a tax expert to avoid errors, as revising returns later is possible but adds hassle. With 66 days left from July 11, 2025, there’s no need to wait until the last minute.
Filing your ITR on time keeps you compliant, avoids penalties, and ensures smooth financial planning. So, mark your calendar for September 15, 2025, and get those documents ready. Happy filing!