Income Tax Return Due Date: Just four days are left for taxpayers who have not yet filed their income tax returns (ITR) for the FY 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). As the deadline approaches, taxpayers are wondering whether the government will extend the date further. As of now, there is no such reports and the government has also not issued any statement regarding it. The date which was originally July 31, was extended to September 15 by the government. Salaried individuals and non-audit category taxpayers are required to file their ITR before this deadline.
Why Was The Deadline Extended?
The extension was announced in May after repeated appeals from chartered accountants and professional bodies, who cited difficulties faced by taxpayers in meeting the original July 31 deadline. Users reported many problems while filing an ITR, which includes portal/ technical glitches, data mismatches, delayed forms and new Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) format.
Taxpayers whose accounts need to be audited, businesses with turnover above specified limits or professionals above the prescribed receipts have time until October 31, 2025. The Chandigarh Chartered Taxation Association (CCATAX) had requested the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to extend ITR and tax audit deadlines further for FY 2024-25 (Assessment year 2025-26).
File Your ITR By September 15
The last date for non-audit taxpayers is September 15, 2025. But in case you miss the deadline, you can file a belated return until 31 December 2025. However, it is important to note that late filing fees and interest will apply in such case.
Who Must File Before September 15?
As the September 15 deadline nears, here’s look at individuals who will have to file an ITR before the extended date.
Salaried individuals whose annual income exceeds the basic exemption limit of Rs 2.5 lakh for those below 60, Rs 3 lakh for senior citizens, and Rs 5 lakh for those above 80 under the old tax regime. Notably, in the new tax regime, the limit is Rs 3 lakh for all categories for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
Freelancers and professionals with income below the audit threshold are required to file their ITR before the deadline.
Small traders and businesses not covered under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act also have to file their ITR.
Investors who have earned capital gains from equities, mutual funds, property or gold, but are not subject to audit.
Resident taxpayers with foreign income or assets and are required to file returns irrespective of income level.
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