ITR:Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Deadline Extended for AY 2025-26
Why Was the ITR Filing Deadline Extended?
ITR:The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26) has been extended to September 15, 2025. This decision, announced in a circular by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on May 27, 2025, follows requests from chartered accountants and professional bodies. The original deadline was July 31, 2025.
Reasons Behind the Extension
The extension was necessary due to a number of challenges faced by taxpayers and tax professionals this year. For instance, tax professionals raised concerns about:
- Portal Glitches: Many users, for example, reported frequent errors and slow performance on the income tax e-filing portal.
- Data Mismatches: In addition, discrepancies between the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS created confusion regarding tax credits.
- Delayed Forms: Furthermore, the release of updated ITR forms and utilities occurred later than expected, leaving less time for filing.
- New Reporting Format: Consequently, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) introduced new disclosure requirements, adding to the workload.
The Chandigarh Chartered Accountants Taxation Association (CCATAX) and other bodies highlighted these issues. As a result, the CBDT decided to extend the deadline by six weeks.
Why Filing Your ITR on Time Matters
Missing the September 15 deadline can lead to penalties and other negative consequences. For this reason, taxpayers who fail to file on time may face:
- Late Fees: Under Section 234F, for instance, a late filing fee of up to ₹5,000 may apply.
- Interest Charges: Similarly, interest is charged on unpaid tax under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
- Loss of Benefits: Additionally, taxpayers may lose the ability to carry forward certain losses to offset future income.
While the extension provides more time, experts advise against last-minute filing. The Income Tax Return (ITR) deadline is unlikely to be extended further. Therefore, taxpayers should use this extra time to file an accurate and complete return.
ITR
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