ITR Filing Deadline 2025: Will CBDT Extend Beyond September 15?

ITR filing deadline AY 2025-26 is September 15, 2025. Will CBDT extend the date again? Here’s the latest update, risks, and tips for taxpayers.

Every September, Indian taxpayers face a familiar question: “Will the ITR filing deadline be extended again?”
For Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline is September 15, 2025. The extension from July 31 gave non-audit taxpayers an extra 46 days. Yet, despite this relief, tax professionals, chartered accountants, and industry bodies are still urging the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for another extension.

Why? Because delayed utility releases, glitches on the income tax portal, and mismatches in AIS, TIS, and Form 26AS have made accurate filing more difficult than ever. While the government has not yet announced further relief, lakhs of taxpayers are anxiously waiting.

So, will the deadline really be extended? Let’s dive deep into the facts, challenges, and practical steps you must take right now.

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Why Is the ITR Deadline September 15 This Year?

Traditionally, non-audit taxpayers — salaried individuals, freelancers, and small business owners — must file their returns by July 31. However, in May 2025, the Income Tax Department extended the due date to September 15, 2025, citing technical and operational challenges.

This early extension was unusual. Normally, extensions come at the last minute, but this year, the CBDT gave taxpayers breathing room in advance. Still, the pressure has not eased.

What You Should Remember

The September 15 deadline is already an extension from July 31. Another push is uncertain — so waiting may be risky.

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Why Are CAs and Professionals Asking for Another Extension?

Imagine playing a cricket match where the pitch isn’t ready, the ball is old, and the scoreboard keeps glitching. That’s how many CAs feel during this filing season.

Here are the main reasons for their demand:

• Delayed utilities: The updated ITR forms and utilities were released late, leaving professionals less time for reconciliations.
• Portal glitches: Many users report slowness or errors on the e-filing website.
• Data mismatches: In AIS/TIS/Form 26AS, income details often don’t align, forcing manual corrections.
• Overlapping compliances: GST filings, tax audits, and other statutory deadlines are piling up simultaneously.
• Rising workload: Nearly 8 crore returns are expected this season, of which about 1 crore involve audits or complex reporting.

What You Should Remember

For tax professionals, the problem isn’t laziness — it’s about accuracy under pressure. Extensions allow better compliance and fewer future disputes.

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How Many ITRs Have Been Filed So Far?

As of September 4, 2025, official data shows:

• 4.56 crore ITRs filed
• 4.33 crore returns e-verified
• 3.17 crore returns processed

This means more than 3 crore taxpayers still need to file within just 11 days. Compare this with last year, when 7.28 crore ITRs were filed by July 31, 2024, with 70 lakh returns filed in a single day.

Clearly, a massive last-minute rush is coming.

What You Should Remember

The department can process crores of returns quickly, but the pressure on servers and taxpayers increases exponentially near the deadline.

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Who Needs to File ITR by September 15?

Not every taxpayer has the same deadline. Here’s the breakdown:

• September 15, 2025 → For individuals and businesses whose accounts are not liable to audit.
• October 31, 2025 → For businesses and professionals whose accounts require auditing.
• December 31, 2025 → For filing belated returns, but with penalties.

So, if you are salaried, a freelancer, or running a small business without audit requirements, September 15 is your final call.

What You Should Remember

Don’t assume everyone has till October or December. For most taxpayers, September 15 is non-negotiable.

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What Happens If You Miss the ITR Deadline?

Filing late isn’t just a small inconvenience. It hits your pocket and peace of mind.

• Late filing fee: Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
• Interest on tax dues: 1% per month under Section 234A.
• Refund delays: Your money stays stuck with the department longer.
• Limited correction window: Belated returns restrict certain benefits.

Think of it like missing your train — you may still catch the next one, but with extra costs, delays, and compromises.

What You Should Remember

Timely filing saves money, reduces stress, and avoids litigation risks.

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Will CBDT Extend the September 15 Deadline Again?

Now to the big question: Will the government listen to professionals and push the deadline further?

Here’s what influences the decision:

1. Current filing numbers: If the pace catches up to last year’s, no extension is likely.
2. Portal stability: If major glitches occur, CBDT may consider relief.
3. Industry pressure: Strong appeals from CA associations sometimes sway the decision.

At present, experts believe another extension is highly unlikely unless filing slows down drastically or the portal collapses under heavy traffic.

What You Should Remember

Hope for an extension if glitches worsen, but plan as though September 15 is the final date.

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Practical Tips for Taxpayers Before the Deadline

Here’s how to avoid last-minute chaos:

• ✅ File early: Don’t wait for the “extension miracle.”
• ✅ Double-check AIS & 26AS: Ensure your income and TDS details match.
• ✅ Save portal acknowledgments: Keep a PDF copy of e-verification proof.
• ✅ Use professional help wisely: If hiring a CA, share documents early.
• ✅ Keep refunds in mind: The earlier you file, the faster your refund gets credited.

What You Should Remember

Treat tax filing like booking train tickets during Diwali — waiting until the last moment guarantees stress.

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Conclusion

The countdown to September 15, 2025 has begun. While pressure groups are lobbying for more time, the CBDT has shown no signs of another extension. With over 3 crore returns still pending, the next 11 days will be intense for both taxpayers and the system.

If you haven’t filed your ITR yet, now is the time. Don’t gamble on “what ifs.” Instead, act today — avoid penalties, claim your refund faster, and close this annual responsibility with peace of mind.

👉 Have you filed your ITR yet, or are you still waiting for an extension? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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