Rupali 
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced a significant extension for income tax return filing. The ITR filing last date for financial year 2024-25 has been moved from July 31, 2025 to September 15, 2025, providing much-needed relief to millions of taxpayers across India.
This decision comes as welcome news for salaried employees, professionals, and individual taxpayers who were preparing to meet the original July deadline. The extension applies specifically to individuals and entities that do not require tax audits.
Why CBDT Extended the ITR Filing Last Date
According to the official press release, the extension was granted due to major updates in the income tax filing system. The new tax regime has been integrated into all ITR forms for the assessment year 2025-26, requiring additional time for proper implementation.
“To facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, the due date for filing ITRs has been extended to September 15, 2025,” stated the CBDT notification.
The income tax department needed extra time to ensure all technical changes work properly on their online portal. This includes updates to accommodate the simplified new tax regime that many taxpayers are now choosing over the old system.
Category Wise ITR Filing Deadlines
The extension does not apply to all taxpayer categories equally. Here are the updated deadlines:
- Individual Taxpayers and Salaried Employees: September 15, 2025 (previously July 31, 2025)
- Businesses Requiring Tax Audit: October 31, 2025 (no change)
- Companies with International Transactions: November 30, 2025 (no change)
- Belated and Revised Returns: December 31, 2025 (no change)
Most individual taxpayers fall under the first category, meaning the majority of Indian taxpayers now have 45 additional days to prepare and submit their returns.
Available ITR Forms and Who Should Use Them
The Income Tax Department has made all necessary forms available on their official website. Taxpayers should choose the correct form based on their income sources:
ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income from salary, one house property, and other simple sources. Most employees can use this form.
ITR-2: For individuals and Hindu Undivided Families with income from capital gains, multiple house properties, or foreign income.
ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs having income from business or profession.
ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs, and partnership firms with presumptive income from business or profession.
People below 60 years of age are not required to file returns if their total income falls below the exemption limit. However, filing may still be beneficial for claiming TDS refunds or carrying forward losses.
Penalty Structure for Late Filing
Despite the extended deadline, taxpayers should be aware of penalties that apply if they miss the September 15 deadline:
Late Filing Fee under Section 234F:
- ₹1,000 if total income is up to ₹5 lakh
- ₹5,000 if total income exceeds ₹5 lakh
Interest on Outstanding Tax:
- 1% per month or part of month on unpaid tax amount under Section 234A
Loss of Benefits:
- Cannot carry forward losses from investments like stocks, mutual funds, or property
- May face difficulties in loan applications and visa processing
Important Considerations for Taxpayers
Document Preparation: Taxpayers should use this extended time to properly organize all necessary documents including Form 16, investment proofs, bank statements, and details of any capital gains or losses.
Form 26AS Verification: Before filing, always check Form 26AS to ensure all TDS credits are properly reflected. This consolidated statement shows all tax deducted and collected at source.
New Tax Regime: Many taxpayers are switching to the new tax regime this year. The updated ITR forms now make it easier to choose between old and new tax structures.
Professional Help: Those with complex income sources or significant investments should consider consulting chartered accountants or tax professionals.
Expert Advice from Moneygale
Financial experts at Moneygale recommend that taxpayers should not wait until the last minute despite the extension. “Use this additional time wisely to review your taxes thoroughly and avoid errors that could trigger notices later,” advises the Moneygale tax team.
- Start collecting documents immediately
- Use the pre-filled ITR option available on the official portal
- Double-check all calculations and entries
- Keep digital and physical copies of filed returns
- File at least a week before the deadline to avoid technical issues
How to File ITR Online
Taxpayers can file their returns through the official Income Tax India portal or through authorized intermediaries. The e-filing process has been simplified this year with better user interface and step-by-step guidance.
For detailed filing guides and tax tips, visit Moneygale’s Guide which provides easy-to-understand instructions for every type of taxpayer.
What Happens After Filing
Once you submit your ITR, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt. If you have claimed a refund, it typically gets processed within 20-45 days after successful verification. Any tax due should be paid immediately to avoid interest charges.
The extension of ITR filing last date to September 15, 2025 provides valuable additional time, but taxpayers should use it productively rather than procrastinating. Early filing helps avoid last-minute stress and potential technical problems on the tax portal.
For the latest updates on tax deadlines and filing procedures, stay connected with trusted sources like the official CBDT website and financial news platforms.
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