The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) from July 31 to September 15, 2025. This 45-day extension is a major relief for individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other taxpayers whose accounts do not require an audit.
Who Benefits from the Extension?
The extended deadline applies to:
- Salaried individuals and pensioners
- HUFs, AOPs, and BOIs with non-audited accounts
- Private companies, LLPs, and OPCs not subject to audit
Taxpayers whose accounts are subject to audit—such as certain businesses, professionals, and international transaction cases—must still adhere to their original deadlines, typically October 31 or November 30.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
Several key reasons prompted the extension:
- New ITR Forms: Changes announced in Budget 2024 brought updated ITR forms, requiring system changes and more time for understanding.
- Delayed TDS Data: Many taxpayers noticed late updates in their TDS statements, delaying the reconciliation of tax data.
What You Should Do Next
- Avoid Last-Minute Filing: Filing early helps you avoid last-minute rush, server load issues, and errors.
- Verify Promptly: After filing, e-verify your return within 30 days to avoid it being marked invalid.
- Choose the Right Form:
- ITR‑1: For salaried individuals with simple income sources.
- ITR‑2: For those with income from capital gains, foreign assets, or multiple properties.
Key Dates You Should Know
| Filing Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Regular ITR (Non-Audit) | September 15, 2025 |
| Belated Return | December 31, 2025 |
| Updated Return (ITR‑U) | Up to March 31, 2030 |
Final Thoughts
This extension is a welcome move for many taxpayers. However, do not delay the process. Filing early helps avoid penalties, ensures faster refunds, and keeps you compliant with tax laws. Prepare your documents now and make use of this extra time wisely.
