Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with tax regulations. For the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, corresponding to the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the ITR filing deadline for individuals was extended to September 16, 2025. This extension was announced due to technical issues with the Income Tax Portal, giving taxpayers extra time to file their returns without stress. In this article, we’ll explore why the ITR due date was extended, the consequences of missing it, and other key details about filing your ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
Why Was the ITR Filing Deadline Extended?
The ITR filing due date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) was extended to September 16, 2025, primarily because of technical glitches on the Income Tax Portal. These issues caused difficulties for taxpayers trying to submit their returns on time, such as problems with e-filing, accessing forms, or uploading documents. To ensure fairness and give everyone a chance to comply, the Income Tax Department extended the deadline, providing relief to millions of taxpayers across India.
This extension applies to non-audit taxpayers, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Associations of Persons (AOPs), and Bodies of Individuals (BOIs) whose accounts do not require an audit.
Key ITR Filing Deadlines for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Here’s a breakdown of the ITR filing deadlines for different categories of taxpayers for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26):
ITR Filing Due Dates for Different Taxpayers – FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
| Category of Taxpayer | Due Date for Tax Filing – FY 2024-25 *(unless extended) |
| Individual / HUF/ AOP/ BOI (books of accounts not required to be audited) | 16th September 2025 |
| Businesses (Requiring Audit) | 31st October 2025 |
| Businesses requiring transfer pricing reports (in case of international/specified domestic transactions) | 30th November 2025 |
| Revised return | 31st December 2025 |
| Belated/late return | 31st December 2025 |
| Updated return | 31 March 2030 (4 years from the end of the relevant Assessment Year) |
If you miss these deadlines, you may still file an updated return within 48 months from the end of the assessment year, but additional conditions and penalties may apply.
What Happens If You Miss the ITR Filing Deadline?
Missing the ITR filing deadline can lead to several consequences, including financial penalties and loss of certain tax benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Interest Charges
If you file your ITR after the due date, you’ll be charged 1% interest per month (or part of a month) on the unpaid tax amount under Section 234A of the Income Tax Act. This can add up quickly, increasing your tax liability.
2. Late Filing Fees
Under Section 234F, a late filing fee is imposed:
- Rs. 5,000 if your total income is above Rs. 5 lakh.
- Rs. 1,000 if your total income is Rs. 5 lakh or less.
3. Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits
If you’ve incurred losses from investments like the stock market, mutual funds, or businesses, you can usually carry these forward to offset future income, reducing your tax liability. However, missing the ITR filing deadline means you lose the ability to carry forward these losses, which can significantly impact your future tax savings.
Can You File ITR After the Due Date?
Yes, if you miss the September 16, 2025, deadline, you can still file a belated return by December 31, 2025, under Section 139(4). However, you’ll be subject to late fees and interest charges as mentioned above. If you miss the December 31 deadline, you can file an updated return (ITR-U) within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year (i.e., until March 31, 2030). Keep in mind:
- Updated returns cannot claim additional deductions or benefits not included in the original or revised return.
- An updated return cannot be revised further.
What If You Made a Mistake in Your ITR?
If you’ve already filed your ITR but realize there’s an error, you can correct it by filing a revised return by December 31, 2025. For example, if you forgot to claim certain deductions or entered incorrect income details, a revised return allows you to fix these mistakes without penalty, provided it’s filed before the deadline.
If you miss the revised return deadline, you can still file an updated return within 48 months, but it comes with limitations, such as not being able to claim new deductions.
Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund
To ensure you get the maximum refund and avoid issues:
- File on time: Meet the September 16, 2025, deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
- Claim all eligible deductions: Double-check for deductions like those under Section 80C, 80D, or others applicable to your income.
- Carry forward losses accurately: Ensure losses from investments or businesses are properly reported to offset future income.
- Use a reliable platform: File through trusted platforms or consult a tax professional to avoid errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was the ITR due date extended for FY 2024-25?
The ITR filing deadline was extended to September 16, 2025, due to technical issues with the Income Tax Portal, which caused difficulties for taxpayers trying to file their returns.
2. What is the last date to file ITR for AY 2025-26?
For non-audit taxpayers, the last date to file ITR is September 16, 2025. Belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2025, and updated returns until March 31, 2030.
3. Can I file my ITR after September 16, 2025?
Yes, you can file a belated return by December 31, 2025, with applicable late fees and interest. After that, an updated return can be filed within 48 months from the end of the assessment year.
4. What happens if I don’t file my ITR by the due date?
You’ll face a late filing fee (Rs. 1,000 or Rs. 5,000, depending on income), 1% monthly interest on unpaid taxes, and lose the ability to carry forward losses.
5. How can I revise my ITR if I made a mistake?
You can file a revised return by December 31, 2025, to correct errors. After that, an updated return can be filed within 48 months, but with restrictions.
6. Will I face a penalty if my income is below the taxable limit?
No penalty is imposed for late filing if your income is below the taxable limit, but it’s still advisable to file on time to stay compliant.
7. What is the due date for companies to file ITR?
Companies required to file for an audit must do so by October 31, 2025, and those with transfer pricing reports must do so by November 30, 2025.
8. Will my refund be delayed if I file after the due date?
Filing a belated return may delay your refund processing, as the Income Tax Department prioritizes timely filings.
9. What is an income tax audit?
An income tax audit is a review of a taxpayer’s accounts to ensure compliance with tax laws. It’s mandatory for businesses or professionals with income above a certain threshold.
10. Can I file an ITR after December 31, 2025?
Yes, you can file an updated return (ITR-U) until March 31, 2030, but it comes with limitations and potential additional taxes.
Conclusion
The extension of the ITR filing deadline to September 16, 2025, for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) offers taxpayers a valuable opportunity to file without the pressure of technical glitches. However, missing this deadline can result in penalties, interest, and the loss of tax benefits, such as the ability to carry forward losses.
To avoid these issues, file your ITR on time, double-check for errors, and consider consulting a tax professional for accuracy. If you’ve missed the deadline, you can still file a belated or updated return, but act quickly to minimize penalties.