Every year, Indian taxpayers eagerly await the ITR filing deadline to ensure their tax compliance remains smooth and penalty-free. For the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), this year the Income Tax Department has officially extended the ITR filing deadline for individuals and non-audit taxpayers, giving them additional time to comply with the updated return filing requirements.

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This comprehensive article provides you with the latest official deadlines, the reasons behind the extension, penalties for late filing, and practical advice on filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) without stress. Whether you are an individual, a professional, or a business needing audit, you will find everything you need to know about the ITR filing deadline FY 2024-25 right here.

Why was the ITR Filing Deadline Extended?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced this extension after receiving feedback from taxpayers and professionals who faced challenges due to late release of the revised ITR forms and utilities. The new ITR forms for AY 2025-26 include important revisions aimed at simplifying the filing process and enhancing transparency, but their delayed availability in August 2025 gave limited preparation time. Additionally, technical glitches on the portal led to further difficulties for many filers.

The government responded by extending the deadline, allowing millions of taxpayers to complete their filings accurately and avoid penalties caused by filing errors or haste.

Updated ITR Filing Deadlines for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

The government has set the following revised deadlines, which are effective as of September 2025:

Who Should File ITR by the Extended Deadline?

Taxpayers who fall under the following criteria must file their Income Tax Returns by the new extended deadline of 15th September 2025:

• Individuals and HUFs whose total income exceeds the basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh or higher based on age).
• Taxpayers with income from salary, business, profession, capital gains, house property, or other sources.
• Those with tax deductions such as TDS or advance tax paid wanting to claim refunds.
• Taxpayers with foreign assets or income, even if below the exemption limit.
• Individuals or entities covered under presumptive taxation schemes exempt from audit.

Penalties for Missing the Extended Deadline

If you do not file your Income Tax Return by the extended deadline of 15th September 2025, you can still file a belated return up to 31st December 2025, but you will incur penalties and interest charges.

Additional Financial Consequences

• Loss of eligibility to carry forward losses (business, capital gains) if return not filed timely.
• Delay in processing income tax refunds which may affect your liquidity.
• Increased chances of scrutiny and notices from the Income Tax Department.

How to File Income Tax Return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

Filing your income tax return on the official e-filing portal is secure and user-friendly. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal: www.incometax.gov.in.
2. Log in using your PAN as User ID and password or Aadhaar-based OTP.
3. Go to “e-File” and select “Income Tax Return”.
4. Select Assessment Year 2025-26.
5. Choose the correct ITR form based on your income sources (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, etc.).
6. Fill in your income details, deductions, and taxes paid, referring to Form 16, Form 26AS, and other documents.
7. Verify the tax payable or refundable calculation.
8. Submit the return digitally.
9. Complete e-verification through online methods such as Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or demat account.

Which ITR Form Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct form is essential for smooth filing:

Common Issues Faced During ITR Filing in FY 2024-25

Some taxpayers and professionals have reported the following challenges this year:

• Login and portal timeouts due to high traffic near deadlines.
• Mismatches between AIS (Annual Information Statement), TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary), and Form 26AS data.
• Confusion regarding new/additional fields in revised ITR forms.
• Delays in linking updated PAN-Aadhaar records impacting e-verification.
• Difficulty in uploading audit reports and transfer pricing documentation.

The IT department continues to work on simplifying this experience and taxpayers are advised to file early to avoid these issues.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Individual Non-Audit – Shruti

Salaried employee Shruti earns ₹10 lakh annually and planned to file by July 31, 2025. Due to delayed Form 16 and mismatch in TDS details, she couldn’t file in time. With the extension to 15th September 2025, she completed her return without penalty and claimed full tax deductions.

Case Study 2: Chartered Accountant Assisted Audit Client

Mr. Agarwal runs a manufacturing business exceeding audit threshold. His deadline is 31st October 2025. His CA advised filing early to avoid year-end rush, ensuring audit reports and financials are properly submitted.

Case Study 3: Transfer Pricing – MNC Branch India

The Indian branch of an MNC filed its transfer pricing report by 30th November 2025, adhering to the extended deadline for TP reports before filing income tax returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Helpful Tips to File ITR Smoothly

• Keep all income documents, Form 16/16A, Form 26AS, investment proofs, and bank details handy before starting.
• Reconcile income details with Form 26AS and AIS to avoid mismatches.
• Use the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal only to file returns.
• Perform e-verification immediately after filing to complete the process.
• Consult tax professionals if you have complex income sources or audit requirements.