Government Extends ITR Filing Date for AY 2025-26
The Income Tax Department has extended the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26) to September 15, 2025. While this extension provided significant relief to taxpayers, the filing pace has remained slower than expected.
Filing Progress So Far
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As of September 4, 2025, over 4.56 crore ITRs have been filed.
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Out of these, 4.33 crore returns have been successfully e-verified.
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So far, only 3.17 crore returns have been processed, leaving a large number of taxpayers still awaiting refunds.
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Around 3 crore individuals are expected to file their returns in the remaining 11 days before the extended deadline.
In comparison, 7.28 crore ITRs were filed in the previous year (AY 2024-25), with a record-breaking 70 lakh returns filed on July 31, 2024, the last date of that season. This shows that most taxpayers delay filing till the very end.
Who Needs to File by September 15?
The September 15 deadline applies mainly to taxpayers whose accounts are not subject to audit.
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Non-audit cases (salaried individuals, small businesses, freelancers, pensioners) must file by this date.
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Audit cases (businesses and professionals requiring mandatory audits) have time until October 31, 2025.
Importance of Timely ITR Filing
Filing your ITR before the deadline is crucial to avoid penalties and interest charges.
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A late fee of up to ₹5,000 may apply if the return is filed after the deadline.
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Additionally, an interest of 1% per month under Section 234A will be charged on any pending tax dues.
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Missing the due date also causes refund delays, which can disrupt financial planning.
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Belated returns can still be filed up to December 31, 2025, but only with penalties and restrictions on carrying forward certain losses.
Could There Be Another Extension?
The government has already given taxpayers an additional 46 days this year by extending the deadline from July 31 to September 15. Whether another extension will happen depends on:
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The pace of ITR filings in the next few days.
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Achievement of last year’s filing numbers.
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Technical smoothness of the e-filing portal (glitches could force another extension).
At the moment, no official update suggests another extension, so taxpayers are advised not to delay further.
Key Tips for Taxpayers
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File your ITR well before September 15 to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns.
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Keep all necessary documents (Form 16, Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement) handy.
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If you expect a refund, early filing ensures faster credit.
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Use the income tax e-filing portal or authorized intermediaries to submit your return securely.
Final Word
With just days left for the deadline, both the Income Tax Department and millions of taxpayers face a race against time. If you are yet to file, act quickly to avoid penalties, interest charges, and refund delays.
