Good news for taxpayers! The government has announced a one-day extension for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26. The new deadline is now September 16, 2025, moved from the original September 15th, in response to numerous reports of technical difficulties and access issues with the e-filing portal. This last-minute reprieve aims to ensure that all taxpayers have a fair chance to comply without being hindered by technical glitches.
The initial deadline for ITR filing was July 31st, which was already extended to September 15th to accommodate necessary revisions in ITR forms and backend updates. However, as this revised deadline approached, many users experienced glitches while attempting to upload returns or make advance tax payments. Responding promptly to these widespread concerns, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) granted this additional day and even scheduled portal maintenance. Interestingly, despite these challenges, over 7.3 crore returns were filed by September 15th, marking the highest number ever for a fiscal year and showcasing robust taxpayer compliance.
While this extension provides a brief window, it's crucial to file your ITR by the new September 16th deadline. Should you miss this final date, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, late filing comes with penalties under Section 234F – a charge of ₹1,000 for incomes up to ₹5 lakh, and ₹5,000 for higher incomes. Furthermore, delays can attract additional interest on outstanding tax dues and may restrict your ability to carry forward certain losses. Timely tax filing is a cornerstone of sound financial planning and helps you avoid unnecessary financial repercussions.
