The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadlines for the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) are not uniform for all taxpayers. Different categories of taxpayers have varying due dates based on the requirements of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Extended Deadline for Non-Audit Cases

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the ITR filing deadline for certain categories of taxpayers from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This extension applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and other taxpayers whose accounts are not required to be audited. The extension was granted due to significant revisions made to the notified ITR forms and the additional time required to ensure system readiness and the smooth rollout of ITR filing utilities. The structural and content revisions aim to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and enable accurate reporting.

Taxpayers Requiring Audits

For taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited, the last date for filing ITR is October 31, 2025. This category typically includes companies, proprietorship firms, and working partners of a firm. These taxpayers must submit their audit report by September 30 to file their ITR by October 31. As of July 2025, the Income Tax Department has not extended the ITR filing deadline for these taxpayers.

Taxpayers Furnishing Report Under Section 92E

Taxpayers who are required to furnish a report under Section 92E, concerning international transactions undertaken during the financial year, have a deadline of November 30, 2025. These taxpayers are also required to submit their audit report by October 31 to file their tax returns by November 30.

Key Considerations for Salaried Taxpayers

Salaried individuals are granted additional time to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially extended the ITR filing deadline for non-audit cases, including salaried taxpayers, from the usual July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025.

Payment of Self-Assessment Tax

While the deadline for filing the return has been extended, the payment of any self-assessment taxes due must still be completed by July 31. Failure to do so may result in the accrual of penal interest under Section 234A.

Consequences of Late Filing

Missing the applicable ITR filing deadline can lead to penalties and interest charges. Interest is charged at 1% per month or part of a month on the unpaid tax amount under Section 234A. Additionally, late filing fees are charged under Section 234F, with ₹5,000 levied if the total income exceeds ₹5 lakh and ₹1,000 if it falls below that amount.

Furthermore, if you have losses from the stock market, mutual funds, homes, or any of your businesses, you can carry them forward and balance them against your income the following year. However, if you fail to file your ITR by the deadline, you will be unable to carry forward these losses.

Belated and Revised Returns

Even if the original deadline is missed, taxpayers can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. This allows individuals to file their ITR after the due date, although late filing penalties and interest will apply. Taxpayers can also correct mistakes made in an ITR by filing a revised ITR, with the last date for doing so being December 31, 2025.

Updated Returns

In case a belated return is not filed, there is still an option to file an updated return within 48 months (4 years) from the end of the relevant assessment year. For AY 2024-25, an updated return can be filed until March 31, 2027. However, this option comes with penalties and restrictions.

Impact on Refund Interest

The deadline extension also positively impacts refund interest. Taxpayers who are due refunds may receive up to 33% higher interest under Section 244A, as the interest accrues from April 1, regardless of the extended deadline. However, this interest is taxable and must be reported in the ITR.

Simplifying the Filing Process

To assist taxpayers, the Income Tax Department has introduced a new Excel-based offline utility for filing Income Tax Return-1 and Income Tax Return-4. This utility allows taxpayers to validate their returns by creating a JSON file and uploading it to the e-filing portal.

Staying Compliant

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is a crucial responsibility for all Indian taxpayers. It requires complying with tax laws, declaring all sources of income, deducting qualifying expenses, and reporting tax liabilities to the Income Tax Department. Taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns accurately and within the applicable deadlines to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth filing experience.