Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date

Income Tax ITR Filing Due Date Extension 2025: Latest Update by CBDT

Every year, millions of Indian taxpayers wait for the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to announce the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date. The anticipation gets even more intense when there’s speculation or demand for a due date extension. As we step into the financial year 2024–25, the spotlight is once again on whether the CBDT will extend the ITR due date for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the income tax return filing due date extension, updates from the CBDT, how to file your ITR on time via the income tax e-filing portal, and the implications of missing the deadline.

What is ITR Filing?

Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form in which taxpayers declare their income, deductions, exemptions, and taxes paid. The Government of India mandates that all individuals and entities falling under specific income slabs must file their returns annually through the income tax e filing system.

ITR Due Date 2025: What You Need to Know

➤ Standard ITR Filing Due Dates:

For Assessment Year 2025-26, the due dates for ITR filing are as follows:

Category of TaxpayerOriginal Due Date
Individuals/HUF (non-audit)31st July 2025
Businesses requiring audit31st October 2025
Companies/TP report required30th November 2025

➤ ITR Due Date 2025: Latest Update

As of now, the CBDT has not officially extended the due date for ITR filing for AY 2025-26. However, there have been several representations from tax professionals and associations requesting an ITR due date extension due to portal glitches and procedural delays.

Why Is ITR Filing Important?

Filing your income tax return isn’t just a legal obligation. Here are key reasons why timely filing matters:

  • Avoid late fees and interest under Sections 234A & 234F.
  • Claim refunds of excess TDS or advance tax.
  • Essential for loan approvals, visa processing, and financial planning.
  • Acts as proof of income for self-employed professionals and business owners.

CBDT Extends Due Date: Past Trends and Possibilities

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex body responsible for income tax administration in India. Historically, the CBDT extends the due date under specific conditions, such as:

  • Technical issues on the income tax portal.
  • Natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Transition to a new e filing portal (as seen in 2021).
  • Requests from industry bodies like ICAI, CII, and tax practitioner associations.

➤ Past Due Date Extensions by CBDT

Financial YearOriginal Due DateExtended Due DateReason for Extension
FY 2020-2131st July 202131st December 2021COVID-19 pandemic, portal issues
FY 2021-2231st July 202230th September 2022Transition to new income tax portal
FY 2022-2331st July 2023Not ExtendedNo technical difficulties reported

In the case of any issues with the e filing income tax portal, taxpayers can expect a similar relief in 2025.

Income Tax Portal and E Filing Process

➤ What is the Income Tax E Filing Portal?

The income tax portal (www.incometax.gov.in) is the government’s official platform where taxpayers can:

  • File ITR
  • Pay taxes online
  • Check refund status
  • Download Form 26AS
  • Respond to notices

The e filing portal is designed to make the process quick, transparent, and paperless.

➤ How to File ITR Online in 2025:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to file your income tax returns via the e filing portal:

  1. Login to www.incometax.gov.in
  2. Go to “File Income Tax Return”
  3. Select the Assessment Year – 2025–26
  4. Choose the appropriate ITR form
  5. Enter income, deductions, and tax details
  6. Validate and submit the form
  7. E-verify the return via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC

ITR Due Date Extension: Impact on Taxpayers

An ITR due date extension can be a double-edged sword. While it provides relief, it also creates uncertainty and last-minute rushes. Here’s how it affects different groups:

➤ For Salaried Individuals:

  • Gives more time to collect Form 16, investment proofs.
  • Helps avoid penalties.

➤ For Business Owners:

  • Allows time to reconcile GST returns, TDS payments, and books of accounts.
  • Reduces risk of incorrect filings.

➤ For Tax Consultants:

  • Reduces workload bottlenecks during peak filing period.
  • Ensures accurate and compliant filings for clients.

CBDT Income Tax Notifications and Press Releases

Taxpayers are advised to stay updated through:

The CBDT income tax division uses these channels to announce extensions, changes, and deadlines.

Income Tax Due Date Extension Latest News

As per current reports, various professional bodies have appealed to the CBDT for a due date extension. Common reasons include:

  • Issues with Form 16 issuance.
  • Server downtime of e filing portal.
  • Delays in reconciliation of AIS/TIS data.
  • Natural calamities in certain regions.

However, until an official circular is issued, the income tax return filing last date remains 31st July 2025 for non-audit cases.

What Happens if You Miss the ITR Due Date?

➤ Consequences:

  1. Late filing fee up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
  2. Inability to carry forward losses.
  3. Interest under Sections 234A/B/C.
  4. Refund delays.
  5. Increased scrutiny from ITD.

➤ Solution:

You can still file a belated return before 31st December 2025, but penalties and interest may apply.

Important Dates for ITR Filing (2025)

EventDate
Start of ITR Filing1st April 2025
ITR Due Date (Non-Audit)31st July 2025
Audit Report Submission Due Date30th September 2025
ITR Due Date (Audit Cases)31st October 2025
ITR Due Date (TP Reports)30th November 2025
Belated Return Filing Last Date31st December 2025

Tips for Smooth ITR Filing in 2025

  1. Don’t wait till last date – servers get overloaded.
  2. Use the e filing income tax portal during non-peak hours.
  3. Reconcile Form 26AS, AIS, and TIS data.
  4. Keep all documents ready – Form 16, interest certificates, investment proofs.
  5. Consult a tax expert if income includes capital gains, foreign income, or business profits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Has CBDT extended the ITR due date for AY 2025-26?

Ans: As of now, the CBDT has not extended the ITR filing date. The current due date remains 31st July 2025.

Q2: Where can I file my income tax return?

Ans: Visit the official income tax portal: www.incometax.gov.in for e filing income tax returns.

Q3: What is the last date for belated ITR filing for AY 2025-26?

Ans: The last date to file a belated return is 31st December 2025.

Q4: Is there a penalty for filing after the due date?

Ans: Yes, a late fee up to ₹5,000 may be charged under Section 234F.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR before the income tax return filing last date is crucial to avoid penalties and stay compliant. While the CBDT may extend the due date under special circumstances, taxpayers should not rely on an extension and file their returns on time using the income tax e filing portal.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on income tax due date extension latest news, and bookmark the income tax portal for easy access. Whether you’re an individual or business owner, early planning ensures a hassle-free ITR filing season.

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