ITR Due Date Extended for AY 2025-26: What Taxpayers Need to Know

Overview of ITR Due Date Extended for AY 2025-26

What is the Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Deadline?

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline is the last date by which taxpayers must submit their income details and tax calculations to the Income Tax Department. For taxpayers who do not need to get their accounts audited, this deadline usually falls on 31st July every year. For the financial year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), this date was originally set as 31st July 2025.

Filing your ITR on time is important because:

• It shows you have honestly reported your income.
• It allows you to claim refunds if you have paid excess tax.
• It helps you avoid penalties and interest for late filing.
• It is required when applying for loans, visas, or government schemes.

ITR Due Date Extended to 15th September 2025

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the highest authority for tax rules in India, has announced that the last date to file Income Tax Returns for AY 2025-26 is extended from 31st July 2025 to 15th September 2025.

This extension means taxpayers now have an extra 1.5 months to file their returns without any penalty or late fees.

Why Was the ITR Filing Deadline Extended?

There are several reasons why the government decided to extend the deadline:

1. Major Changes in ITR Forms: This year, there have been significant revisions made to the ITR forms. Updating these forms and making sure they work properly takes extra time.
2. System Development Needs: The Income Tax Department’s online systems require updates and improvements to handle these changes smoothly.
3. TDS Credit Reflection: Ensuring that taxpayers’ Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) credits are correctly reflected in the system is essential for accurate tax filing.

Because of these reasons, the CBDT decided that giving taxpayers more time will help in filing their returns more accurately and with less hassle.

What Are ITR E-filing Utilities?

The ITR e-filing utility is software provided by the Income Tax Department to help taxpayers file their returns online.

There are three types of utilities available:

• Online Utility: Allows taxpayers to fill the return directly on the official income tax website and submit it online.
• Offline Utility (Java or Excel): Taxpayers or tax professionals can fill the return offline using a downloadable software and upload it later on the website.
• JSON Utility: Mostly used by tax experts for large or complex returns, it allows more flexibility.

Normally, taxpayers use these utilities to complete their returns smoothly. These utilities also help pre-fill some information like salary income, TDS details, and interest income from banks, making the filing process easier.

Why Are the E-filing Utilities Delayed This Year?

Although all the revised ITR forms have been released, the utilities (the tools used to fill and submit the forms) are not yet available. This delay has made some taxpayers worried.

The Income Tax Department has not officially explained the delay, but it is likely due to the significant changes in the forms and the time needed to test the new system to ensure it works smoothly.

Can You File Your ITR Now?

Even though the new ITR forms have been released and can be downloaded, taxpayers cannot file their returns yet because the e-filing utilities are not yet functional.

Taxpayers can, however, start preparing their documents, gather all necessary income proofs, check their Form 26AS (tax credit statement), and verify which ITR form they need to file.

Who Needs to File ITR by 15th September 2025?

The extended deadline applies to taxpayers who:

• Do not require a tax audit (usually individuals, HUFs, and small businesses with income below a certain limit).
• Are filing returns for income earned in the financial year 2024-25.
• Avoid late filing penalties.

Taxpayers who require a tax audit, such as businesses or professionals with turnover above the prescribed limits, will have a different deadline, generally in November.

What Happens if You Miss the Extended Deadline?

If you miss the new deadline of 15th September 2025, you may face the following consequences:

• Late Filing Penalty: The Income Tax Act allows a penalty of up to ₹10,000 if the return is filed after the due date.
• Loss of Interest and Refunds: Delayed filing may delay your income tax refunds.
• Inability to Carry Forward Losses: Some losses can only be carried forward if the return is filed on time.
• Difficulty in Applying for Loans: Banks and financial institutions require proof of income tax filing, so a late return can affect loan approvals.

Therefore, it is best to file your ITR as soon as the utilities are available.

What Should Taxpayers Do Now?

Since the e-filing utilities are not ready yet, here is what you can do to prepare:

1.Organize Your Documents: Collect your salary slips, bank statements, Form 16 (if salaried), Form 26AS (tax credits), investment proofs, and other income details.

2. Check Which ITR Form Applies to You: There are different forms based on your income source. For example:

• • ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh.
  • ITR-2 for individuals with income from capital gains or more complex incomes.
  • ITR-3 for business owners and professionals.

3. Verify Your Tax Credit Statement (Form 26AS): Make sure all TDS and advance tax credits are correctly reflected.

4. Understand Recent Tax Law Changes: Keep updated with any changes in tax slabs, deductions, or exemptions applicable to you.

5. Plan for Filing: Decide if you want to file yourself using the online utility or take help from a tax professional.

Conclusion

The extension of the Income Tax Return filing deadline to 15th September 2025 is a welcome relief for many taxpayers. It provides extra time to understand the new ITR forms, prepare their documents carefully, and file returns without rush or errors. Although the delay in e-filing utilities might have caused some inconvenience, the government’s priority is to ensure a smooth, accurate, and efficient tax filing process for all.

For any tax saving consultancy you can contact the author at 9024915488.