ITR Deadline Extended for Many, But Not All: Are You Among the Exceptions?
The income tax department has recently extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for most taxpayers for the financial year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26). However, this relief does not apply to everyone. If your accounts are subject to audit, you still need to meet the original deadlines. So, are you among the exceptions? Let’s break down the details.
What’s the New ITR Deadline for Most Taxpayers?
For the majority of taxpayers—especially salaried individuals and others who do not require a tax audit—the last date to file their ITR has been extended from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025.
This extension is welcome news for those who typically wait for their Form 16 from employers, which is usually issued in mid to late June. Earlier, this left very little time to prepare and submit tax returns before the July deadline. Now, with a mid-September deadline, taxpayers have more breathing room to complete their filings accurately and avoid last-minute rushes.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
The government delayed the release of ITR forms this year. Typically, the ITR forms and related online utilities required for filing are made available by early April. However, this year, the forms were issued almost a month late, and updates to the online filing platforms are still underway.
Chartered Accountant Dr. Suresh Surana explains, “This decision has been taken due to significant structural and content changes in the ITR forms, which require additional time for system development and utility integration.”
He adds, “Further, with Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) credits expected to reflect only by early June, the effective return filing window was very limited. The extension is intended to ensure a smooth and accurate filing process while addressing concerns from taxpayers and other stakeholders. A formal notification from the government is expected soon.”
Who Will Not Get Extra Time to File ITR?
The deadline extension does not apply to taxpayers whose accounts are subject to audit. For these taxpayers, the deadlines remain unchanged:
- Tax audit reports must be submitted by September 30, 2025.
- The ITR filing deadline for audited accounts is October 31, 2025.
- If transfer pricing regulations apply, the deadline extends to November 30, 2025.
These dates are fixed and must be adhered to strictly.
What Happens If You Miss the Extended Deadline?
If you miss the September 15 deadline (for non-audit taxpayers), you can still file a belated return by December 31, 2025. However, filing late may incur a penalty of up to Rs 5,000, depending on how late you file.
If you miss this second chance as well, the government allows one final opportunity to file an updated return, known as ITR-U (Updated Return), until March 31, 2026. This option helps taxpayers correct errors or include any missed details in their original returns.
What Should Taxpayers Do Now?
- Salaried and non-audit taxpayers: Take advantage of the extended deadline to ensure your return is accurate and complete.
- Taxpayers subject to audit: Keep track of the original deadlines and coordinate with your auditors to meet filing dates.
- Stay alert for the formal notification from the government for any further updates or clarifications.
- Begin gathering documents and reviewing your income, deductions, and tax payments to avoid last-minute hassles.
With the extended timeline, many taxpayers can now file their returns with greater ease and accuracy. But if you fall under the exceptions, be sure to comply with the original deadlines to avoid penalties. Always consult a tax professional if you have any doubts about your filing status or deadlines.
IT.
