ITR Filing Deadline 2025 Extended to Sept 15 – What You Need to Know

If you were waiting for the Income Tax Department to move the due date, you’ll be glad to hear the deadline for most taxpayers is now Sept 15, 2025. The change came after many professionals raised concerns about new ITR forms and portal glitches. Below we break down the new dates, who they affect, and what penalties you might face if you miss the cut‑off.

Key Dates and Who Must File

For the FY 2024‑25 (assessment year 2025‑26), the rules are clear:

• Non‑audit cases: due by Sept 15, 2025.
• Audit cases (Form 26AS, etc.): due by Oct 31, 2025.
• Transfer pricing cases: due by Nov 30, 2025.
• Belated or revised returns: can be filed until Dec 31, 2025.

Don’t confuse “non‑audit” with “no tax payable.” Even if your tax bill is zero, you still need to file by the new deadline unless you’re covered under an audit exemption.

Penalties and Late Filing Rules

If you file after the prescribed date, Section 234F kicks in. The first late filing incurs a fee of ₹5,000, which drops to ₹1,000 for filings after March 31, 2026. Interest under Section 234A also starts accruing from the original due date at 1% per month (or part of a month) on the tax due.

Belated returns are allowed, but the same penalties apply. The only upside is you won’t be barred from filing a revised return later in the year if you discover a mistake.

One practical tip: set a reminder for the earlier non‑audit deadline. The portal usually opens a few weeks before the cut‑off, and filing early reduces the risk of technical glitches that plagued previous years.

Another tip is to double‑check your Form 16 and Form 26AS before uploading. Mismatches trigger manual scrutiny, which can delay processing and increase the chance of a notice.

Remember, the extension only applies to FY 2024‑25. Future years will likely revert to the traditional July‑31 deadline unless the department announces another change.

In short, mark Sept 15 on your calendar, know which category you fall into, and plan to file a few days early. That way you avoid penalties, keep the tax department happy, and can focus on what matters next – whether that’s a new job, a loan, or just a stress‑free summer.