ITR Filing Due Date: Deadline, Possible Extension, Latest Updates And More

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for individuals for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) is fast approaching. The last date for submission is September 15, following an extension granted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) from the earlier July 31 deadline. This deadline applies to taxpayers not subject to tax audit, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and entities filing ITR forms 1 to 4.

The September 15 deadline primarily covers those earning income from salary, pension, rent, capital gains, or other sources. It also includes small businesses and professionals operating under the presumptive taxation scheme, as per Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE.

Will the ITR Deadline Be Extended?

With the deadline nearing, there have been calls from taxpayers and accountants for another extension. Complaints include technical glitches on the income tax portal, delays in ITR processing, and issues with refund status updates. So far, 5.47 crore ITRs have been filed, which is notably lower than the 7.28 crore ITRs filed during the same period last year.

As of now, the Income Tax Department has not announced any further extension. However, associations like the Advocates Tax Bar Association and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) have formally requested an extension due to the ongoing technical problems.

Consequences of Missing the ITR Deadline

Failure to file ITR by September 15 can attract a penalty of Rs 5,000 if the income exceeds Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 1,000 for incomes below Rs 5 lakh, under Section 234F. Belated or revised returns can still be filed until December 31, 2025, while updated returns (ITR-U) can be submitted up to March 31, 2030.

Filing ITR After the Due Date

Taxpayers who miss the September 15 deadline can still file a belated return before December 31, 2025. If they miss this window, they can submit an updated return within 48 months (four years) from the end of the relevant assessment year.

This ensures compliance while allowing taxpayers some flexibility to rectify delays.