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| ITR Due Date for AY 2025–26 Extended to September 15, 2025 |
Introduction
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) on time is crucial to avoid penalties and interest charges. For the Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced an extension of the ITR due date from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This easy-to-understand article covers everything you need to know about the revised deadline, who it affects, and how to prepare for hassle-free filing.
What Is the ITR Due Date?
The ITR due date refers to the last day by which taxpayers must electronically file their annual returns for a given assessment year. The deadline ensures that the Income Tax Department receives complete and accurate data for tax assessment and refund processing.
Who Is Affected by the Extension?
- Salaried Individuals: Employees receiving income from salary without any audit requirement.
- Self-employed Professionals (Non-Audit): Freelancers, consultants, and professionals whose accounts do not require statutory audit.
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and Individuals: Those whose gross receipts or turnover does not exceed ₹10 crore and are not subject to audit.
Note: Taxpayers requiring a tax audit under Section 44AB must still adhere to the original deadline of October 31, 2025.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
- Delayed Release of ITR Forms and Utilities: The Income Tax Department released the updated ITR forms and e-filing utilities later than usual, impacting taxpayers' ability to prepare their returns.
- Major Revisions to ITR Forms: Significant changes in reporting requirements warranted additional time for system readiness and taxpayer adaptation.
Expert Tip: Waiting until mid-June to file your return helps ensure that all Form 16s and TDS certificates are issued, reducing chances of mismatches or amendments later.
How to Prepare for Filing Your ITR by September 15
1. Organize Financial Documents
- Form 16 and 16A certificates
- Bank statements, dividend and interest certificates
- Investment proofs for deductions (Section 80C, 80D, etc.)
2. Choose the Correct ITR Form
- ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salary/pension and single house property
- ITR-2 for capital gains, multiple properties, and foreign assets
- ITR-3 for profits from business or profession
3. Claim Available Deductions
- Section 80C investments (PPF, ELSS, LIC)
- Section 80D (medical insurance premiums)
- Section 80TTA/80TTB (interest on savings accounts)
4. Use e-Filing Portal Efficiently
- Register/update your PAN and Aadhaar details
- Validate bank account for e-verification
- Save and preview before final submission
5. E-Verify Within 30 Days
- Through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank ATM
- Avoids demand notices and penalties
Penalties for Late Filing After September 15
- Section 234F Penalty: ₹5,000 for returns filed after the due date but before December 31 (₹1,000 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh).
- Interest Under Section 234A: 1% per month on the tax amount due, from August 1, 2025, until the date of filing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I file ITR before Form 16 is issued?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Wait for all Form 16 and 16A certificates to avoid amendments later.
2. What if I miss the extended due date?
You can file a belated return until December 31, 2025, with applicable penalties (Section 234F).
3. Do I need to file a return if my income is below the taxable limit?
Filing is optional if your income is below the basic exemption. However, you may file to claim refunds or carry forward losses.
4. How do I track the status of my filed return?
Log in to the e-filing portal and check "View Returns/Forms" under the "My Account" tab.
Conclusion
The extension of the ITR due date to September 15, 2025, offers taxpayers valuable extra time to collate documents, understand revised ITR forms, and file accurate returns without penalty. Plan ahead, organize your records, and make use of the e-filing portal’s user-friendly features to complete your tax compliance smoothly.
For the latest updates and detailed guidance, visit the Income Tax Department’s e-Filing Portal or consult with a qualified tax professional.
Published by Commerce Tutors | Empowering learners and professionals with clear, concise, and up-to-date tax insights.