The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) recently announced that the deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITRs) has been extended to September 15, 2025. The original deadline was July 31, 2025, for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 for non-audit taxpayers, i.e. for Individuals, HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), AOP (Association of Persons), and BOI (Body of Individuals). This extension allows more time for taxpayers to submit their returns. ITR Filing Extended to 15 September 2025 | AY 2025-26 Updates – CBDT.
There are also significant changes to the ITR forms for this assessment year. These updates aim to make compliance easier and ensure accurate reporting. However, implementing these changes requires extra time for system updates and testing.
Taxpayers need to be aware that tax deducted at source (TDS) statements must be filed by May 31, 2025. These statements will start showing up in taxpayer accounts in early June. This decision focuses to address the concerns of taxpayers and give them more time to file their returns correctly for the upcoming assessment year.
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important responsibility for every taxpayer in India. It helps you follow tax laws and requires you to declare all your income, claim eligible deductions, and report your tax debts to the Income Tax Department. If you miss this deadline, you could face interest charges under Section 234A and a late filing fee under Section 234F. However, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025, but expect penalties and interest.
When does the ITR filing process start? It usually begins on April 1 of the assessment year. So, for Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), filing should have started on April 1, 2025. However, this year, it has been delayed and is now expected to begin in June 2025.
