Income Tax Alert: ITR Filing Last Date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) {update}

• For non-audit taxpayers: Salaried individuals, pensioners, and HUFs who do not require an audit. The last date to file ITR is September 15, 2025. Earlier it was July 31, 2025, but it has been extended.
• For taxpayers requiring audit (no international transactions): The deadline is October 31, 2025.
• For taxpayers with international transactions: The deadline is November 30, 2025.
• For belated and revised returns: If you miss the regular deadline, you can still file by December 31, 2025.
• For updated returns (ITR-U): A new rule under Budget 2025 allows updated returns up to 48 months from the end of the assessment year. For AY 2025-26, this means up to March 31, 2030.

Also Read: TDS Claim Rules in ITR When Income and PAN Don’t Match

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

CBDT extended the deadline because many taxpayers were facing issues in filing. The new ITR forms required more time to implement. There were also delays in reflecting TDS credits in Form 26AS and AIS. Many taxpayers could not match their details on time. To reduce stress and avoid technical errors, the deadline was extended till September 15, 2025, for non-audit cases.

Penalty for Late Filing

If you miss the last date, you can still file a belated return. But there will be a penalty under Section 234F.

• If your income is less than ₹2.5 lakh: No penalty.
• If your income is between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh: ₹1,000 penalty.
• If your income is more than ₹5 lakh: ₹5,000 penalty.

In addition, late filing may also delay your refund. If you have tax to pay, you may also be charged interest.

Importance of Filing on Time

Filing your ITR on time has many benefits:

• You avoid penalties and extra charges.
• Tax refunds are processed faster.
• It helps in keeping your records clean with the Income Tax Department.
• Filing ITR is important for visa applications, loan processing, and financial credibility.

Many salaried people think TDS deduction means no need to file returns. But this is a misconception. Filing ITR is mandatory if your income is above the basic exemption limit.

How to File ITR Online

Filing ITR has become simple with online facilities. Here is a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Collect Required Documents

• PAN Card and Aadhaar Card
• Form 16 from your employer (if salaried)
• Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) for TDS details
• Bank account details
• Proof of deductions such as LIC premium, PPF, home loan, medical insurance, etc.

Step 2: Visit the Official Website

• Go to incometax.gov.in.
• Click on “Login” and enter your PAN, Aadhaar, or user ID.

Step 3: Select the Right ITR Form

• ITR-1: For salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh.
• ITR-2: For individuals with capital gains, multiple properties, or income above ₹50 lakh.
• ITR-3: For business or professional income.
• ITR-4: For presumptive taxation scheme.

Choosing the correct form is very important.

Step 4: Fill in Your Income Details

• Enter your salary, interest income, and other sources.
• Match details with Form 26AS and AIS.
• Add deductions under Section 80C, 80D, and others.

Step 5: Verify Tax Liability

• The system automatically calculates your total income, tax liability, and refund (if any).
• Cross-check the figures before submission.

Step 6: Submit the ITR

• Review all details carefully.
• Submit the return online.
• Choose e-verification through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC.

Step 7: Keep Acknowledgement for Records

• After filing, download the acknowledgement (ITR-V).
• Save it safely for future reference.