ITR Filing Last Date Extended to September 15, 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is one of the most critical duties of taxpayers in India. Typically, with regard to most taxpayers, this is aligned with the July 31 deadline every year. However, for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26), the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) granted taxpayers a six-week extension on the filing deadline, which provided relief to lakhs of individuals and professionals. The filing deadline is now September 15, 2025, which provides taxpayers with an ample amount of time to file the ITRs correctly and without penalties.

What Is the New ITR Filing Deadline?

For FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26), the last date for filing ITR is September 15, 2025.

1. Old date: July 31, 2025

2. New date: September 15, 2025

3. Taxpayers who require audit: September 30, 2025 (no change)

Thus, this extension gives taxpayers and practitioners more time to reconcile their data and file in an unpressured way.

Why Was the ITR Filing Date Extended?

The extension came as a result of several requests to the CBDT from chartered accountants, professional associations and taxpayers. Some key reasons included:

1. Portal issues: The income tax e-filing portal tended to crash with errors and slow login times to access the portal, and issues with uploading returns.

2. Disparities in data: The Annual Information Statement (AIS) did not match the Form 26AS and which required additional time for reconciliation before filing.

3. Delayed forms: Updated ITR forms and utilities were delayed and released later than expected, so there would be less time in the tax payment window.

4. New ICAI reporting format: New disclosure requirements from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India increased compliance obligations.

On 27 May 2025, the CBDT officially issued a circular announcing the extension.

Why Filing ITR Early Is Still Important

Although an extension renders more time, if a taxpayer lags until the last day to file, they are creating a good possibility of having complications. Here are some things to look at:

1. Section 234F Penalties: A taxpayer with a September 15 deadline that delays filing will now incur penalties for late filing up to ₹5,000.

2. Section 234A, 234B and 234C Interest: Taxpayers will incur interest for late filing and delayed tax payments.

3. Denial of benefits: Taxpayers may be denied carry-forward for specified losses if they don't file on time.

4. Portal traffic: Taxpayers waiting for the last day to file will often encounter slow internet service because of the high traffic.

Tax professionals recommend filing as quickly as possible, before the new deadline.

Key Takeaways for Taxpayers

1. Revised ITR deadline: September 15th, 2025 (for non-audit cases).

2. Deadline for audit cases: September 30, 2025 (no change).

3. Extension of deadline: Technical difficulties on the portal, mismatch of data, timelines for various form submissions and new tax disclosures.

4. Recommendation: File earlier to avoid penalties, interest, and technical problems.

Conclusion

The extension of the ITR filing deadline to September 15th, 2025, is a big relief for taxpayers in India who have experienced technical difficulties and compliance delays. This isn't an excuse to delay filing. Filing early is advantageous not just because of peace of mind but to avoid penalties and interest and to mitigate cancellations resulting from last-minute portal shutdowns.

Timely and accurate returns are, and will continue to be, the best way to stay compliant, minimise financial loss, and maximise entitlement.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new last date for ITR filing for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26)?

The new last date for ITR filing is September 15, 2025, recently changed from an old date of July 31, 2025.

Q2. Has the audit case deadline also been extended?

No. For taxpayers whose accounts are required to be and are audited, the last date is still September 30, 2025.

Q3. Why was the ITR filing date extended this year?

The extension was because of glitches in the portal, late release of forms, data inconsistencies in the AIS and Form 26AS and new reporting requirements of the ICAI.

Q4. What happens if I miss the September 15 ITR filing deadline?

In the event you miss the date, there may be a late fee under Section 234F (up to ₹5,000) and interest under either or all of Sections 234A, 234B and 234C.

Q5. Can I still carry forward losses if I file after the due date?

No. Once you file after your due date, you will not be able to carry forward any losses i.e. business losses or capital losses, to a future year.

Q6. Is it advisable to wait till the last day to file my ITR?

No. Experts still recommend taxpayers file their return early on as they run into server response issues, errors and last-minute pressure even when there is an extension in the due date.

Q7. How do I check the official notification about the extension?

The CBDT circular, which also had a directive to postpone the last date, was dated 27 May 2025. It is available on the official website of the Income Tax Department.