The Income Tax Department has extended the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2025-26 to September 16, 2025, as announced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in a circular issued late Monday night. The earlier deadline was September 15. This marks the third extension of the deadline this year. Earlier the due date was shifted from July 31 to September 15, and now it has been extended by one more day. The current extension by one more day has been attributed to updates in the ITR forms for FY 2024-25, which also required adjustments in the filing software and backend systems. The department has also clarified that speculation regarding an extension to September 30 is baseless, confirming that September 16 is the final due date.
ITR Filing Status so Far in 2025
So far, 7.3 crore ITRs have been filed this year, surpassing last year’s 7.28 crore by around 2 lakh returns. The Income Tax Department through their social media handle on Twitter, have ensured taxpayers for their 24*7 assistance
How to File ITR Before 16th September?
- All the taxpayers are required to verify their Form 16, AIS / 26AS and to properly ensure that income, deductions, exemptions match
- Depending on income sources, taxpayer need to correctly choose their ITR form which can be ITR-1, ITR-2 etc.
- Taxpayers must validate their bank account, link PAN with Aadhaar
- Post ITR filing, E-verify the return immediately to avoid rejection
- Avoid last minute rush as portals may slowdowns
Process to Fill ITR Online
- Visit: https://incometax.gov.in
- Log in with your PAN and password.
- Select the appropriate ITR form and fill in your details.
- Calculate your tax – if you owe more tax, pay it online.
Note: After ITR-Filing, ensure to e-verify within 30 days
In Case You Miss the New ITR Filing Last Date of 16th September 2025
Taxpayers who fail to meet the ITR Filing Last Date 2025 have still got the chance to file a belated return by 31st December 2025. However, the belated return attracts penalties under Section 234F—₹5,000 for income above ₹5 lakh and ₹1,000 for income below ₹5 lakh. Incorrect ITR filing are scrutinised. However, there may be instances where a taxpayer misses to file their ITR or e-verify it within the ITR Filing deadline for any genuine reason. In such case the taxpayer is given an option to submit a condonation of delay request. A condonation of delay request under Section 119(2)(b) allows a taxpayer to file their ITR without any additional tax, interest or penalty.