As the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline arrives today, September 15, 2025, taxpayers are hurrying to file their returns for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25). The Income Tax Department has confirmed that there will be no further extensions to the deadline. The initial deadline of July 31, 2025, was extended to September 15, 2025, due to extensive changes introduced in the notified ITRs and to allow time for system readiness and rollout of ITR utilities.

Who Needs to File by Today?

The September 15 deadline applies to taxpayers who are not subject to a tax audit. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other entities who are using ITR forms 1 to 4. For assessees who are subject to audit, the last date for income tax return filing is October 31, 2025. If an entity has to file a transfer pricing report, then their ITR filing due date is November 30, 2025.

What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the September 15 deadline, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, late filing will attract penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. For individuals with an income of ₹5 lakh or less, the penalty for late filing is ₹1,000. For those with an income exceeding ₹5 lakh, the penalty can be up to ₹5,000. In addition to the penalty, interest will be levied on any unpaid tax amount under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C. Interest is calculated at 1% per month (or part of a month) on the outstanding tax liability, from the day after the due date until the actual filing date.

Loss of Benefits

Filing your ITR after the deadline may result in the loss of certain benefits. Taxpayers who file their ITR on time have the right to carry forward all their losses. However, if you file late, you may be restricted from carrying forward certain losses, such as business or capital losses. Filing ITR after the due date may also result in delayed processing of refunds and increased scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. Moreover, you can't switch your tax regime after the deadline, and you might be stuck with a higher tax liability and receive lower refunds.

Key Documents Needed for ITR Filing

To file your ITR, keep the following documents handy: * PAN card * Aadhaar card (with PAN-Aadhaar linked) * Bank statement * Salary slip * Form 16 (issued by employer, showing salary and TDS) * Form 26AS * AIS (Annual Information Statement): Shows income, TDS, TCS, property purchases, savings interest * TIS * Investment proofs (e.g., bank deposits, PPF deposits, capital gain P&L statement) * Home loan interest certificate * Insurance premium payment receipts * House rent receipt (if applicable)

How to File Your ITR Online

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing your ITR online:

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in using your PAN and password.
2. Go to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.
3. Select Assessment Year 2025-26 and choose Online mode.
4. Choose the taxpayer type (e.g., Individual).
5. Pick the applicable ITR form (e.g., ITR-1 for salaried individuals).
6. Fill in the required income, deduction, and tax details.
7. Preview and validate the return.
8. Submit your return.
9. Complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or send a signed copy of ITR-V to CPC, Bengaluru within 30 days.

Dealing with Portal Issues

Some taxpayers have reported experiencing technical glitches and errors on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal. To avoid last-minute issues, it is advisable to file your return as early as possible. The Income Tax Department has stated that its helpdesk is available 24/7 to offer assistance through calls, live chats, WebEx sessions, and social media.

Belated Return

If you are unable to file your return by today, September 15, you can still file a belated ITR until December 31, 2025. However, remember that belated returns come with penalties and other adverse consequences.