ITR Filing Deadline 2025 – When, What, and How to File on Time

If you’re wondering when the 2025 Income Tax Return (ITR) is due, you’re not alone. The main deadline for most individuals is July 31, 2025. That’s the final day to submit your return online without facing a penalty. If you miss it, you’ll be charged interest on any tax due, and a late filing fee may apply.

Important Dates to Remember

Mark these dates on your calendar:

• April 1 – Start of the financial year (FY 2024‑25).
• June 15 – Last day for employers to issue Form 16.
• July 31 – Final deadline for filing ITR for most taxpayers.
• August 15 – Extended deadline for senior citizens (if announced).
• September 30 – Last day to pay any remaining tax liability without additional interest.

Keep an eye on the Income Tax Department’s website for any changes. Extensions are rare but can happen if there’s a technical glitch.

Documents You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start the online form. Missing a slip means you’ll have to go back later, and who wants that? Here’s a quick list:

• Form 16 (salary details).
• Form 26AS (tax deducted at source).
• Bank statements for the whole year.
• Proof of investments – ELSS, PPF, life insurance, etc.
• Home loan interest certificate, if applicable.
• Rental receipts for HRA claim.
• Capital gains statements for shares or property.

Having these ready saves you from scrambling at the last minute.

Now that you know the dates and paperwork, let’s walk through the filing steps.

Step‑by‑Step Online Filing Guide

1. Log in to the e‑filing portal using your PAN and password. 2. Choose the correct ITR form (most salaried folks use ITR‑1). 3. Fill in personal details – name, address, bank account. 4. Enter salary details from Form 16. The portal can auto‑populate some fields if you upload the PDF. 5. Add other income – interest, rent, capital gains. 6. Claim deductions – 80C, 80D, HRA, etc., using the documents you gathered. 7. Verify the tax payable or refundable. If you owe tax, pay it through net banking or UPI before submitting. 8. Click “Validate” to check for errors, then “Submit”. 9. Choose a verification method – Aadhaar OTP, digital signature, or sending a signed ITR‑V to the Centralized Processing Centre.

Once verified, you’ll get an acknowledgment number. Keep it safe – you’ll need it for future reference.

Tip: Use the “Pre‑fill” option if you’ve filed earlier. It pulls data from previous returns and reduces manual entry.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Missing the deadline is the biggest cost. Set a reminder a week before July 31. Also, double‑check the PAN entered; a typo can reject your return. Finally, don’t forget to include all sources of income – even a small freelance gig counts.

If you’re self‑employed or have multiple incomes, you might need to file a different ITR form (ITR‑3 or ITR‑4). The portal will guide you based on the details you enter.

Lastly, after filing, download the ITR receipt. It serves as proof of filing and can be handy during loan applications or visa processes.

Filing your 2025 ITR doesn’t have to be a headache. Keep the dates, documents, and steps in front of you, and you’ll breeze through the process without penalties. Good luck!