ITR Deadline Extended!”
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25) from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This gives non-audited taxpayers a 6-week extension to file their returns.
Source: Times of India
🕒 Why Has the Deadline Been Extended?
1. Delay in Notifying ITR Forms
The government released the updated ITR forms later than expected, making it difficult for taxpayers to start the filing process early.
2. Utilities Not Yet Available
The online tools and software (utilities) required to file returns through the e-filing portal are still under development and rollout.
Source: Economic Times
Who Benefits From This Extension?
Salaried Individuals: Most salaried people, who don’t need to get their accounts audited, can now file by the new deadline.
Freelancers and Small Businesses: Those not under tax audit provisions also get more time.
Senior Citizens: Especially those who file manually or with limited digital access.
✅ How to File and Verify ITR Online
Go to incometax.gov.in
Click e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return
Select the correct ITR form based on your income source
Submit the return and complete e-verification under ‘e-Verify Return’
🔄 What’s New This Year?
Introduction of ITR-U Form
The CBDT has introduced ITR-U, a form that allows taxpayers to revise earlier returns or file missed ones within a 4-year window. This helps avoid legal penalties and encourages better compliance.
📌 Source: Times of India
For Corporate and Audited Taxpayers
The deadline for companies and audited entities is different. For AY 2024–25, the last date was previously extended to November 15, 2024, to accommodate audit reporting delays.
📌 Source: Times of India
Final Advice
While the new deadline gives taxpayers more breathing room, it’s advisable to:
Start early
Keep required documents ready (Form 16, investment proofs, bank statements, etc.)
Use the official portal or trusted tax filing platforms
Filing early helps avoid last-minute server issues, errors, or late interest charges.
