Income Tax Return Due Date AY 2025-26: Latest Updates You Must Know
The income tax return due date is one of the most important deadlines for taxpayers in India. For Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the government extended the original deadline of 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025. Now, with only a few days left, millions of taxpayers are anxious about glitches, penalties, and whether another extension might be announced.
Current ITR Filing Due Date in India
15 September 2025 → For individual taxpayers who missed the July deadline and non-audit cases.
31 October 2025 → For businesses and professionals requiring audit.
30 November 2025 → For companies or taxpayers with transfer pricing reports.
31 December 2025 → Last date to file a belated return.
31 March 2030 → Final deadline for updated returns (ITR-U).
ITR Filing Progress So Far (as of 10 September 2025)
5.30 crore ITRs filed on the income tax portal.
4.99 crore returns verified.
3.58 crore returns processed.
Still, over 2.7 crore returns are expected to be filed before the 15 September deadline.
To meet this, more than 54 lakh returns/day need to be filed — far higher than the current pace of under 20 lakh per day.
Taxpayers’ Concerns in AY 2025-26
This year, taxpayers and CAs have faced:
Frequent glitches on the e-filing portal.
Form 26AS and AIS data mismatches, making verification difficult.
Heavy traffic on the income tax portal as the deadline nears.
Limited time because ITR forms and utilities were released late in 2025.
Penalties for Missing the ITR Due Date
If you miss the 15 September 2025 deadline, consequences include:
Late fee under Section 234F:
₹5,000 if income > ₹5 lakh.
₹1,000 if income < ₹5 lakh.
Interest under Section 234A on unpaid taxes from the next day of the deadline.
Refund delays if you are eligible for a tax refund.
Loss of carry forward benefits on business or capital losses.
Steps to File Your ITR Smoothly
Collect all required documents: Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS, and investment proofs.
Reconcile TDS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax.
Use the correct ITR form based on your income category.
File early to avoid last-minute rush and portal slowdowns.
Complete e-verification within 30 days of filing.
Why Was the ITR Due Date Extended This Year?
The government had already given a 46-day extension in May 2025 (from 31 July to 15 September).
Delay in release of revised ITR forms and utilities.
Technical glitches and compliance difficulties.
Demands from taxpayers, CA bodies, and trade associations.
The income tax return due date for AY 2025-26 is 15 September 2025 for non-audit taxpayers. With only days left, more than 2.7 crore returns are yet to be filed. Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, interest, and refund delays, so it’s best to act now rather than wait for a possible extension. File early, verify your details, and stay compliant.
