Source: NDTV
Taxpayers are obligated to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26) by the deadline of September 15, 2025. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) already extended the deadline for ITR filings once from July 31 to September 15.
This deadline is applicable to individuals not required to have their accounts audited. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and the people filing forms ITR 1–4. These individuals include paid employees, pensioners, individuals who earn from rent, capital gains, or other sources of income, and small business and professionals who file under presumptive taxation rules.
MPs Request Extension
As the deadline approaches, there is growing demand for yet another extension. Two senior BJP MPs, Bhartruhari Mahtab and PP Chaudhary, have written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested her to extend the deadline for both ITRs, as well as Tax Audit Reports.
Chair of the Finance Committee, Mahtab, raised the issues concerning a complaint received from the All Odisha Tax Advocates Association (AOTAA).
Chaudhary relayed requests from the Tax Bar Association, Jodhpur.
They highlighted a number of problems – late release of ITR forms, repeated errors on the tax filing portal, and virtually no time for taxpayers to file properly.
There have also been other professional organisations that have asked for an extension – namely the Karnataka State Chartered Accountants Association (KSCAA), Advocates Tax Bar Association (ATBA), and Central India Regional Council (CIRC) of ICAI.
Reasons Taxpayers Want More Time
Many experts state that the relief announced earlier was too late. Significant forms like ITR-2 and ITR-3 were introduced in July, while ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7 did not appear until August. As a result, there is a more limited time to prepare and file.
So far, only 4.89 crore ITRs have been filed, while 7.28 crore returns were filed up until July 31 last year. This suggests that millions still intend to file.
What Will Be the Consequences If You Fail to Comply by September 15?
If the return is not filed by the deadline:
If your income is more than ₹5 lakh, the penalty will be ₹5,000.
If the income is less than ₹5 lakh, the penalty will be ₹1,000.
Taxpayers can file a belated return until December 31, 2025. Taxpayers can also file an updated return (ITR-U) up to four years, i.e., by March 31, 2030. Some of the benefits will not be available if returned after September 15, including the ability to carry forward losses.
Professional Insight
Tax professionals recommend against delaying until the last minute or relying on an extension.
“Filing closer to the deadline increases interest on self-assessment tax and delays refunds,” says Sujit BangarTaxbuddy.com.
“Treat the extension as a buffer, not a deadline,” said Himank Singla of SBHS & Associates. “Filing early ensures peace of mind and saves unnecessary interest outgo.”
Important Point
The ITR deadline is September 15, 2025. There have been many calls for a further extension, but the government has not issued a statement yet. We encourage all taxpayers to file as early as possible to avoid penalties and technical issues.
