Introduction
Every year, millions of taxpayers in India await the deadline for filing their Income Tax Return (ITR). Those deadlines are set by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Missing the deadline can invite penalties, delayed refunds, loss of certain benefits, and sometimes increased scrutiny. This article covers the revised due date for ITR filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the circumstances that led to its extension, details of penalties and interest for late filing, what taxpayers should do, and whether more extensions are likely.
ITR Filing Due Date: What’s the New Date & Who It Applies To
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The original due date for filing ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) was 31 July 2025 for taxpayers whose accounts are not subject to audit (such as salaried individuals, pensioners, NRIs).
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However, that deadline was extended to 15 September 2025 for non-audit taxpayers.
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For those required to have their accounts audited (businesses or professionals under Section 44AB), the deadline is 31 October 2025. For those with transfer pricing obligations, it’s 30 November 2025.
Why the Deadline Was Extended
Several reasons were cited when the CBDT decided to push the deadline from July 31 to September 15 for non-audit taxpayers:
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Delay in ITR Forms / Utilities: The updated ITR forms and digital utilities needed for filing were not ready in time.
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Operational Preparedness: To ensure that e-filing infrastructure works smoothly, especially given new or updated tools.
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Requests from Tax Professionals & Bodies: Chartered Accountants, Tax Bar Associations, and other professional bodies were pushing for more time citing technical glitches, data mismatches, etc.
Penalties, Interest & Consequences of Late or Belated Filing
If you miss the revised deadline, several consequences follow under Indian tax laws:
| Issue | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Penalty under Section 234F | Up to ₹5,000 if return is filed late. For income ≤ ₹5 lakh, penalty is ₹1,000. |
| Interest for Delay | Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, 234C may apply depending on when tax or advance/self-assessment tax is paid. |
| Loss of Carry-Forward of Losses | If ITR is filed late, most losses can’t be carried forward for set-off in subsequent years. Some exceptions (e.g. house property losses or unabsorbed depreciation) may exist. |
| Delayed Refunds | Refunds get processed more slowly if return is late. Also, using incorrect form or delays in verification or filing may further delay refunds. |
| No Option to Opt for Old Tax Regime after Due Date | If filing is delayed, certain choices like regime selection (new vs old) may not be available. |
What Taxpayers Should Do Now
To avoid penalties, delays, or errors:
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Don’t Wait for Extension – Even though there are demands for further extension, no official confirm yet.
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Gather Documents Early – Form 16, bank interest statements, TDS certificates, AIS/26AS, etc. Check data consistency.
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Choose Correct ITR Form – Different forms exist for different types of income or entity categories; filing on the wrong one may lead to rejection or rework.
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Pay Self-Assessment / Advance Tax On Time – Even though filing deadline is extended, paying taxes due (or advance tax/self-assessment tax) on time is important to avoid interest under respective sections.
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Plan for E-verification – After filing, you’ll need to verify return (OTP, Aadhaar, etc) – delays in this step also can cause refund defects.
Are Further Extensions Likely?
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Many professional bodies (Chartered Accountants, Tax Bar Associations) are urging the government to extend the deadline again (some proposals suggest October 15, 2025).
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However, Finance Ministry / CBDT statements so far suggest that no further extension is imminent, and taxpayers should not rely on potential new dates.
Summary & Key Things to Remember
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New due date for non-audit taxpayers: 15 September 2025. For audit and transfer pricing cases, later dates apply.
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Late filing penalty (Section 234F): Up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 for low income ≤ ₹5 lakh).
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Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, 234C may apply if tax is unpaid or filed late.
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Do not delay: Filing early helps avoid risk, error, delayed refunds, etc.
FAQs
Q: If I miss 15 September, can I still file a belated return?
Yes. You can file a belated return under Section 139(4) after due date, but penalty will apply, benefits like carry-forward losses may be restricted, and interest may apply.
Q: Is the extended deadline applicable to everyone?
No. It’s applicable to non-audit taxpayers. Those needing audit or with transfer pricing obligations still have longer deadlines.
Q: Does extension mean delay in paying final/self assessment tax?
No. Even if filing deadline is extended, paying self-assessment or advance tax must follow specified schedules. Delays there attract penal interest.
Conclusion
The extension of the ITR filing due date to 15 September 2025 gives much-needed relief to many taxpayers, especially those with non-audit obligations. But it’s not time to relax: the deadline is approaching fast, and penalties, interest, and other negative consequences await those who delay. The safest strategy is to complete your ITR filing well before the deadline, ensure all documents are ready, correct any data mismatches, choose the right form, and verify once filed. Doing so will minimize risk, ensure timely reflections on records, and allow you to benefit from any refunds without delay.
