ITR filing deadline

The last date for individuals to file their Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 is September 15. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) pushed the deadline from the earlier date of July 31.

This extension is applicable to taxpayers not required to undergo a tax audit. It covers individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other entities using ITR forms 1 to 4.

The deadline mainly applies to those earning through salary, pension, rent, capital gains, or other income sources. It also includes small businesses and professionals who are eligible for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE.

Will deadline be extended?

As the September 15 deadline nears, taxpayers and accountants are urging for another extension. They point to technical glitches on the income tax portal, delays in processing returns, and issues with refund status updates as major hurdles. With only three days left, the Income Tax Department hasn’t announced any extension yet.

When was the deadline last extended?

The original ITR deadline was set for July 31, 2025, but the Income Tax Department extended it to September 15. The extension, announced in May, was granted to give taxpayers additional time due to delays in the updated ITR forms and utilities, as well as for operational readiness. With the extended deadline approaching, taxpayers are once again hoping for an extension, as millions are still waiting to file their returns.

What should you do

Taxpayers should not wait for a possible extension of the deadline. Even if the Income Tax Department announces an extension later, filing early ensures peace of mind and faster refunds.

As per the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal, 5,47,93,630 returns had been filed by September 11, 2025—about 15 lakh more than the 5,30,07,987 returns filed by September 10, 2015. Out of the 5.47 crore returns filed this year, over 5.14 crore have been verified by taxpayers, and the department has processed more than 3.66 crore verified returns.

Consequences of late filing

If you miss the September 15 deadline, you can file a belated return by December 31, 2025, but a late fee of up to ₹5,000 may apply. Additionally, interest under various sections of the Income Tax Act may significantly increase the payable amount.