Unlocking the Truth Behind the ITR Filing Deadline Extension Demand
Every year, the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline is one of the most crucial dates for Indian taxpayers. In 2025, the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has formally requested the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to extend the due dates once again. Their demand comes after repeated technical glitches, delayed release of ITR utilities, and practical difficulties faced by professionals and taxpayers alike.
The current extended deadline stands at September 15, 2025 for individuals not liable to audit, and September 30, 2025 for those subject to audit. But according to GCCI, these extensions are not enough.
So, why exactly is GCCI pressing for another ITR filing deadline extension 2025? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why GCCI Wants the ITR Filing Deadline Extended
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry submitted a detailed representation to CBDT on August 11, 2025, highlighting multiple issues. Here are the main reasons:
1. Delay in Release of ITR Utilities
Traditionally, ITR utilities are released in April every year, giving professionals and taxpayers a fair four to five months to file their returns. But in FY 2024-25, utilities were only released in July 2025, with several forms still pending in August.
This left very little time for Chartered Accountants (CAs), consultants, and individuals to file accurate returns. Software vendors also needed extra time to adapt to the frequent changes in forms, further delaying the compliance process.
2. Technical Glitches on the Income Tax Portal
Taxpayers reported system errors while uploading ITRs, issues in syncing with Form 26AS, and discrepancies in the Annual Information Statement (AIS). These errors forced many filers to attempt multiple times, eating up valuable compliance time.
3. Audit Deadline Pressure
The deadline for tax audits is currently September 30, 2025. With late availability of utilities and portal errors, auditors are left scrambling to finish hundreds of reports in record time. GCCI has urged the CBDT to consider pushing this deadline too.
4. Connectivity Issues Across India
GCCI pointed out that in many parts of India, including rural regions, internet connectivity is inconsistent. When forms are released late, and filing has to be rushed, taxpayers in these areas suffer the most.
Why the Current Extension Didn’t Help Much
It’s important to note that the government already extended the ITR filing deadline from July 31, 2025 to September 15, 2025. However, since the ITR forms were only made available in July, this extension did not provide a meaningful advantage.
In GCCI’s words:
“The timely filing of returns largely depends on the availability of functional and final versions of utilities for ITRs and Tax Audit Forms. However, the delay has caused an inevitable setback in commencing compliance.”
Simply put, taxpayers received more time on paper, but not in reality.
—
What This Means for Taxpayers
If the ITR filing deadline extension 2025 is approved, here’s how it will help:
• More time for accuracy: Taxpayers can cross-verify data with Form 26AS and AIS properly.
• Reduced audit pressure: Chartered Accountants can prepare tax audit reports with better accuracy.
• Lower error rate: Fewer chances of mistakes in ITR filing due to portal overload.
• Relief for small businesses: Especially in areas with weaker connectivity and limited access to professionals.
—
Possible Government Stand
Historically, the CBDT has extended deadlines in response to genuine hardships, especially during COVID-19 years and when the income tax portal had large-scale failures.
However, in recent years, the government has been firm about not delaying deadlines unnecessarily. They argue that extensions encourage last-minute filings and reduce tax compliance discipline.
This time, the decision may rest on whether CBDT acknowledges the late release of utilities as a sufficient reason for taxpayers’ struggles.
—
Expert Take on the ITR Filing Deadline Extension
Tax experts and industry professionals are divided:
In favor of extension: They argue that compliance is impossible when the tools themselves are not available on time. Taxpayers should not be penalized for systemic inefficiencies.
Against extension: Some believe that constant deadline shifts create uncertainty and encourage procrastination. They say that since the portal is functional now, taxpayers should comply within the given time.
—
Power Tip for Taxpayers
Even if the government grants an ITR filing deadline extension 2025, do not wait until the last minute. Start your filing process as soon as possible. This ensures you avoid portal overload, system crashes, and last-minute errors.
Final Word
The ITR filing deadline extension 2025 debate highlights the tension between taxpayer convenience and the government’s push for stricter compliance. GCCI’s demand is based on valid concerns like late release of ITR utilities, persistent portal glitches, and audit workload pressure.
Whether or not the CBDT grants the extension, one thing is clear: taxpayers and professionals need a smoother, more predictable compliance process. Until then, the annual tax season will continue to be a race against time.