ITR Filing Last Date Today: Government Confirms No Extension, September 15 Is the Final Deadline

Income Tax Return Filing Deadline 2025: The last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 and Financial Year (FY) 2024–25 without audit requirements is September 15, 2025. Despite heavy speculation among taxpayers, Chartered Accountants (CAs), and industry experts about a possible extension, the government has made it clear that the deadline will not be pushed further.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had already extended the filing window once, from the original July 31 deadline to September 15, citing changes in ITR forms and utilities. Now, the Income Tax Department has categorically stated that there will be no further extension. Taxpayers who fail to file by today can still submit a belated return, but penalties and interest charges will apply.

Income Tax Department’s Official Statement

The Income Tax Department clarified through its official channels that any news circulating on social media about the deadline being extended to September 30 is false. For non-audit cases, September 15, 2025, remains the last date to submit returns.

To assist taxpayers, the department has kept its 24×7 helpdesk operational, offering support through phone calls, live chat, and Webex sessions. Officials have also urged taxpayers to rely only on the department’s official X (Twitter) handle for authentic updates.

Who Needs to File ITR by September 15?

The current deadline applies to individuals and entities not requiring audit. This includes:

• Salaried employees

• Pensioners

• Individuals earning through rental income

• Professionals and small business owners

• Taxpayers with capital gains

These categories generally file using ITR forms 1 to 4.

Extended Deadlines for Audit Cases

Taxpayers whose accounts require an audit—such as companies, firms, and partners—have more time to comply. They must submit their audit report by September 30, 2025, and their final ITR by October 31, 2025. At present, no changes have been announced to these deadlines.

Challenges Raised by Tax Professionals

Several CAs and tax professionals have raised concerns about the performance of the e-filing portal, claiming that technical glitches have caused difficulties in submitting returns. These issues prompted a demand on social media for another extension.

Adding to the challenge, ITR forms were released at different times this year:

• ITR-1 and ITR-4: End of May 2025

• ITR-2 and ITR-3: Mid-July 2025

• ITR-5: Early August 2025

• ITR-6 and ITR-7: Mid to late August 2025

This staggered rollout gave taxpayers comparatively less time to prepare and file.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss today’s deadline, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, it comes with penalties and interest:

• If your income is below ₹5 lakh, the late fee is ₹1,000.

• If your income exceeds ₹5 lakh, the penalty rises to ₹5,000.

• Additionally, unpaid tax will attract 1% monthly interest until cleared.

Delaying your ITR filing not only hits your pocket with fines and interest but can also reduce certain tax benefits and refund opportunities.

Final Word

The government has confirmed that September 15, 2025, is the final deadline for non-audit taxpayers to file their ITR for AY 2025–26. With no extension on the horizon, those who haven’t filed yet must act immediately to avoid penalties. Audit cases, however, still have until October 31, 2025, to submit their returns.

Timely filing remains crucial to avoid unnecessary financial strain and to stay compliant with tax regulations.