Today, September 15, 2025, marks the last day to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26. The Income Tax Department has confirmed that there will be no further extension of the deadline, which was previously extended from July 31, 2025. This deadline applies to individual taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other entities who are not subject to tax audits and are using ITR forms 1 to 4.

Taxpayers who fail to meet today's deadline will face several consequences. A late filing fee will be levied under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. For those with an income exceeding Rs 5 lakh, the penalty is Rs 5,000. Taxpayers with lower incomes will be charged a penalty of Rs 1,000. Additionally, late filers may be charged interest on any unpaid tax amount under Section 234A of the Income Tax Act, at a rate of one percent per month or part of a month, calculated from the original due date until the actual filing date.

Missing the ITR filing deadline can also lead to other financial setbacks. Taxpayers may lose the option to switch between the old and new tax regimes and may not be able to carry forward losses. Furthermore, refunds cannot be claimed through an updated return (ITR-U) if the original deadline is missed.

Even if the deadline is missed, taxpayers can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, this will incur penalties and may have adverse consequences. A belated ITR can be revised until December 31, 2025. Updated returns (ITR-U) can be submitted up to March 31, 2030.

The Income Tax Department had extended the original deadline of July 31 to September 15, 2025, to accommodate extensive changes introduced in the notified ITR forms and to provide taxpayers with sufficient time to adjust to the new system.

The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file their ITR. To assist taxpayers, the department has been operating a 24x7 helpdesk, providing support through calls, live chats, WebEx sessions, and social media platforms. The department has also thanked taxpayers and tax professionals for their efforts, noting that over 6 crore returns have been filed as of today.

Tax experts advise that filing Income Tax Returns on time is crucial to avoid penalties, ensure timely refund processing, and maintain financial compliance.