The tax filing season is here again, and if you haven’t filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) yet, time is running out. For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the government has already granted taxpayers extra time. The last date to file is September 15, 2025.
This deadline applies to most individuals, salaried employees, HUFs, and small businesses that are not required to undergo a tax audit.
Will the deadline be extended further?
Many taxpayers and accountants are hoping for another extension due to issues like portal glitches and refund delays. However, the Income Tax Department has not confirmed any additional extension, so it is safer to assume that September 15 is the final date.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Late Filing Fee: ₹5,000 if your income is above ₹5 lakh, in cases where the total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh, the late fee is restricted to ₹1,000
Belated or Revised Return: You can still file until December 31, 2025, though penalties and interest (if applicable) may apply
Updated Return (ITR-U): If you miss even the belated filing window, you can file an updated return until March 31, 2030 (subject to additional tax)
Why file early?
Filing before the deadline helps you:
Avoid penalties and interest
Get faster refunds
Bypass last-minute portal slowdowns
Reduce stress during peak filing dates
Take advantage of the extension, but try not to wait until the last day. Filing early keeps you compliant and worry-free.
No - if you file after the due date, you cannot opt for or change to the old tax regime from the new one. For FY 2024-25, taxpayers who want to use the old regime must file their ITR on or before the due date (15 September).
The extension of the ITR filing due date was on account of “structural and content revisions” in the income-tax return (ITR) forms notified in late April and early May. The changes made in the ITR form for AY 2025-26 also needed modifications to be made in ITR filing utilities and the back-end system.
Yes, you still need to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) even if all taxes have already been paid in advance through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax.
Filing the return is not just about paying tax - it is a legal requirement if your total income is above the basic exemption limit. The return acts as proof of income, ensures compliance, and allows you to:
Claim refunds in case you paid extra tax
Carry forward certain losses to future years
Retain eligibility for deductions and exemptions(like HRA, LTA, EPF, etc.) if filed on time
Avoid late fees and restrictions on switching tax regimes
Even if no additional tax is due, missing the filing deadline means you can only file a belated return (with late fee under Section 234F) and you may lose some benefits.
Taxpayers with business income can switch from the new tax regime to the old regime by filing Form 10-IEA before the original due date. However, if the original due date has passed, they cannot switch back to the old regime while filing a belated ITR. The option to switch is generally available only if Form 10-IEA was submitted on time, i.e., before the ITR filing due date.
