ITR Filing: As the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 approaches, a palpable sense of anxiety is building among taxpayers across the country. The question on everyone’s mind is a simple one: will the income tax itr filing due date extension be announced? While the Income Tax Department has been proactively sharing updates, an official announcement for a further extension is yet to come, leaving millions to race against the clock.
The current ITR last date 2025 for most individual taxpayers whose accounts do not require an audit has already been extended once, from the standard July 31st to September 15th. This initial extension was a welcome relief, provided in light of various technical and administrative challenges. However, tax professionals and various associations continue to highlight ongoing issues with the income tax portal, citing technical glitches, slow processing, and data mismatches as major hurdles.
Despite these requests, the government and the income tax India department appear committed to the current deadline. They have encouraged taxpayers to file itr as soon as possible to avoid a last-minute rush and the associated penalties. This push is a clear signal that waiting for a last-minute itr due date extension is a risky strategy.
Key Due Dates for ITR Filing (AY 2025-26)
Here is a breakdown of the key deadlines you need to be aware of for the Financial Year 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
| Category of Taxpayer | Current ITR Last Date |
|---|---|
| Individuals and HUFs (Non-Audit Cases) | September 15, 2025 |
| Tax Audit Cases | October 31, 2025 |
| Taxpayers with International Transactions | November 30, 2025 |
| Belated/Revised Returns | December 31, 2025 |
Note: The tax audit itr filing due date is September 30, 2025, which is one month prior to the ITR filing date for audit cases.
Consequences of Missing the ITR Filing Deadline
Missing the income tax filing deadline comes with significant consequences that can hit your wallet and complicate your financial life. Even if a last-minute income tax date extension is announced, it’s always best to be prepared.
• Late Filing Fee (Section 234F): If you file your income tax return after the due date, a late fee is levied. For total income up to ₹5 lakh, the penalty is ₹1,000. For income exceeding ₹5 lakh, this penalty increases to ₹5,000.
• Interest on Tax Dues (Section 234A): If there is any tax outstanding, a monthly interest of 1% is charged on the unpaid amount until the tax is paid. This is in addition to the late filing fee.
• Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits: You may lose the ability to carry forward certain losses (like capital losses) to offset against future income.
• Delayed Refunds: If you are due a refund, filing a belated return will significantly delay its processing.
The Income Tax Department has been quite clear that the income tax efiling portal is now stable and has successfully processed millions of returns. The recent surge in filings on the income tax portal further solidifies the department’s stance that an extension may not be necessary.
To avoid penalties and ensure a smooth process, it is highly recommended to complete your itr e filing well before the September 15th deadline. Don’t wait for a potential income tax due date extension latest news update; instead, take proactive steps to file now.
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