As of now, the taxpayers and associations await another deadline extension from the government, because of the difficulties they have faced during attempts to file the ITRs.
The due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Financial year 2024-25 (FY '25), or Assessment Year 2025-26 (AY '26), for most individual taxpayers in India is September 15, 2025. This deadline was extended from the initial date of July 31, 2025, by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to provide taxpayers more time to successfully file their returns. However, calls are being raised to push the deadline further, and provide another extension for the same so that the returns are filed properly within the due date.
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The extension was given mainly due to the Income Tax Department releasing revised ITR forms and utility software later than expected, only in mid-August 2025. Several taxpayers and tax practitioners mentioned this delay, technical issues on the portal, and the eleventh-hour rush of filings as reasons to seek further extensions. Also, natural disasters like floods in some states and prominent festivals like Navratri falling in late September have played their role in the need for extending the date of filing returns.
So far, there has been no official notification from the government or the Finance Ministry regarding any extension beyond September 15. The Ministry has urged taxpayers to file before the extended deadline to avoid penalty and interest charges. Although different industry organisations and tax associations are still urging the government for additional time citing continued portal problems, it does not appear that the deadline will be further extended considering the previous 45-day extension already granted.
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Taxpayers who fail to meet the September 15 deadline can still file a belated return by December 31, 2025, though with some penalty. There can be a late filing charge of up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 in case of incomes less than ₹5 lakh) under Section 234F, and interest of 1% per month is charged for any tax outstanding from the initial due date to the actual date of filing under Section 234A. Late filing can also hold up income tax refunds.
Keep in mind that the filing deadline is different for taxpayer type. For audit, companies, and international transactions of taxpayers, the deadline is November 30, 2025. Amended and corrected returns also have this very deadline. Non-audit individual tax filers should keep in mind the September 15 deadline in order to avoid penalty.
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Taxpayers are urged to get their documents ready and file their ITRs at the earliest opportunity prior to the existing deadline. Waiting on may increase the chances of portal issues and eleventh-hour filing mistakes and can result in unnecessary penalties. Also, one is advised to keep self informed with government notifications and accessing the latest ITR utilities will ensure that the filing process goes smoothly.
