The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting! The last date to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26 (financial year 2024-25) is September 15, 2025, but taxpayers across the country are holding their breath. With portal glitches, refund delays, and form issues still making headlines, the big question remains: will the government extend the deadline once more? Stay with us as we bring you the latest news, expert advice, and key developments in real-time.
Why Are Taxpayers Asking for More Time?
As of early September, millions of taxpayers are scrambling to complete their filings. Chartered accountants, tax experts, and individual filers alike have raised concerns over ongoing technical problems on the e-filing portal. Common issues include:
- Delayed processing of returns
- Verification failures due to system errors
- Refunds being stuck without proper status updates
- Confusing instructions on revised ITR forms
Because of these challenges, taxpayers are urging the government to extend the filing deadline by at least 30 days so that errors can be avoided and correct filings can be made without penalty.
What Was the Last Extension About?
Earlier this year, the deadline was first set for July 31, 2025, but owing to delays in uploading updated forms and technical glitches, the Income Tax Department extended it to September 15, 2025. At the time, this extension provided relief to those struggling with incomplete data or confusion over deductions and exemptions.
Now, with the September deadline fast approaching, experts say that many filers are still not ready, and another extension could bring much-needed breathing space. However, no official announcement has been made yet.
Will the Government Extend the ITR Deadline?
Despite the growing demand, the government and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) have not confirmed whether the deadline will be extended further. According to reports, over 5 crore ITRs have already been filed, suggesting that compliance is on track. But tax experts warn that waiting for the last minute can be disastrous.
Penalty warnings are already in place under Section 234F for late filings, and refund delays are becoming more common due to errors in rushed submissions.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the September 15 deadline could lead to:
- A penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F
- Loss of refund or delays in processing returns
- Increased scrutiny from the tax authorities
Experts recommend filing early, even if all details are not perfectly updated, to avoid penalties. Once the return is submitted, corrections and revisions can be made later.
Common Mistakes That Could Cost You Dearly
With the deadline looming, taxpayers are rushing their filings, often making technical mistakes such as:
- Incorrect reporting of income
- Mismatch in TDS details
- Not verifying the return after filing
- Leaving deductions or exemptions unclaimed
These errors could lead to invalid returns, penalty notices, or delayed refunds, making it crucial to double-check entries before submitting.
What’s Next? Should You Wait or File Now?
While the possibility of an extension remains, relying on it is risky. Tax experts advise that you should:
- File your return as soon as possible
- Cross-check your income and deduction details
- Verify your ITR after submission
- Avoid panic and consult a professional if needed
Until an official announcement is made, it’s safest to proceed with your filing without waiting for another extension.
LIVE Updates: What to Watch For
- Any announcements from the Finance Ministry or CBDT
- News on portal maintenance or outages
- Government relief measures or advisory notices
- Clarifications on refund delays or verification issues
The Income Tax Return Deadline Extension 2025 is one of the most talked-about topics this tax season. With uncertainty in the air, taxpayers are advised to stay alert and avoid last-minute mistakes. Whether or not the government grants an extension, the smartest move is to act now and file your return on time.
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