ITR Filing Deadline AY 2025-26: Complete Guide You Must Read
The ITR Filing Deadline AY 2025-26 is one of the most discussed topics among taxpayers right now. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially extended the ITR due date for the Financial Year 2024-25 to 15th September 2025.
Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a business owner, or someone filing your first return, this guide explains everything — due dates, penalties, belated return rules, and expert filing tips.
1. Extended ITR Filing Deadline: What’s the Latest Date?
Originally, the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns for AY 2025-26 was 31st July 2025. However, the CBDT has extended the due date to 15th September 2025 to provide relief to taxpayers due to:
- System upgrades on the e-filing portal
- Changes in ITR forms
- Taxpayers requesting more time
📌 New ITR Filing Deadline AY 2025-26 → 15th September 2025
If you haven’t filed your ITR yet, mark this date on your calendar to avoid late fees and penalties.
2. Who Benefits from the Extended ITR Deadline?
The extended ITR Filing Deadline AY 2025-26 primarily benefits non-audit taxpayers, including:
- Salaried individuals
- Freelancers & self-employed professionals
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Small businesses not requiring an audit
For taxpayers whose accounts require an audit, deadlines remain unchanged:
• 31st October 2025 → For businesses requiring tax audit under Section 44AB
• 30th November 2025 → For taxpayers involved in international or specified domestic transactions requiring transfer pricing reports
3. Missed the ITR Filing Deadline? Here’s What Happens
If you fail to file your ITR by 15th September 2025, your return becomes belated — but don’t panic; you can still file it.
- Belated Return Deadline
- You can file a Belated Return until 31st December 2025.
- Penalties & Late Fees
- Under Section 234F, late fees are:
- ₹5,000 → If your income exceeds ₹5,00,000
- ₹1,000 → If your income is up to ₹5,00,000
- Additionally, Section 234A imposes 1% monthly interest on pending tax amounts.
💡 Pro Tip: Filing your ITR before the deadline saves money, time, and unnecessary stress.
4. Missed Even the Belated ITR Deadline? Here’s the Backup Plan
If you don’t file your return even by 31st December 2025, there’s still hope — thanks to the Updated Return (ITR-U) option.
You can file an ITR-U within 4 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
For AY 2025-26, this means you have time until 31st March 2030.
However, this option comes with additional taxes and conditions, so it should be used carefully.
5. Latest Taxpayer Concerns & CBDT Updates
The Tax Bar Association and other taxpayer groups have requested another extension due to portal glitches and festive season delays.
The Income Tax Department has been sending reminder SMSes and video alerts urging taxpayers to file before 15th September 2025.
Be cautious of fake tax notices circulating via email and SMS. Always verify notices directly on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
6. ITR Filing Deadlines at a Glance (AY 2025-26)
Scenario Deadline Notes
Non-audit taxpayers (individuals, HUFs, etc.) 15th Sep 2025 Extended from 31st Jul 2025
Tax audit cases 31st Oct 2025 No extension announced
International / TP cases 30th Nov 2025 Requires transfer pricing reports
Belated returns 31st Dec 2025 Penalties & interest applicable
Updated returns (ITR-U) 31st Mar 2030 Special conditions apply
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7. Expert Tips to File ITR Faster & Smarter
✅ Start Early → Don’t wait until the last week. Avoid portal slowdowns.
✅ Choose the Right ITR Form → Salaried, business, and freelancers have different forms.
✅ Pre-validate Your Bank Account → For quick refunds.
✅ Double-check Form 26AS & AIS → Verify all reported income details.
✅ Save a Copy → Keep your ITR acknowledgment for future reference.
Final Thoughts
The ITR Filing Deadline AY 2025-26 is 15th September 2025, giving taxpayers a golden opportunity to avoid penalties and file returns smoothly. Missing this date could cost you extra money and stress — so act now.
If you haven’t filed your ITR yet, don’t delay. Start the process today and make sure you’re fully compliant.