📅 New Deadline & Official Notification
On May 27, 2025, the CBDT issued a press release (Press Release ID: 2131700) announcing the extension of the ITR filing deadline—for non-audit taxpayers—for Assessment Year 2025–26:
- Old Deadline: July 31, 2025
- New Deadline: September 15, 2025
The government will issue a formal gazette notification, but the extension is already in effect.
🔍 Why the Extension?
1. ITR Form Overhaul
ITR Forms 1 to 7 underwent major structural and content changes—new schedules, revised fields, updated disclosures (like bifurcation of capital gains post-July 23, 2024), and new exemptions for small taxpayers.
These updates required substantial development, integration, and testing of e‑filing utilities.
2. Delay in TDS Credit Visibility
Although TDS statements are filed by May 31, the actual reflecting of credits on Form 26AS began in early June, leaving a tight window between visibility and the original July 31 deadline.
👥 Who’s Covered — and Who Isn’t
| Taxpayer Type | New Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non‑audit taxpayers | September 15, 2025 | Includes most salaried individuals, HUFs, resident individuals under presumptive tax |
| Audit‑required taxpayers | Original deadlines remain | Companies, professionals/businesses under audit, TP/transfer‑pricing cases:(Section 44AB) |
| · Tax audit reports – due Sep 30, 2025 <br>· ITR filings – Oct 31, 2025 <br>· TP cases – Nov 30, 2025 |
✅ What You Need to Do
- ✔️ Collect Documents Early
- Salary (Form 16), capital gains, interest certificates, rental income, etc. in June–July.
- Verify TDS credits once available (~early June).
- ✔️ Choose the Right ITR Form
- ITR-1/4 now usable for those with LTCG ≤ ₹1.25 lakh (previously needed ITR-2)
- ✔️ Decide on Tax Regime
- Default is new regime unless opting out (Form 10-IEA). Evaluate which regime benefits you before filing.
- ✔️ Calculate & Pay Outstanding Tax
- Even with the extended deadline, advance/self‑assessment tax payment must be completed by Sep 15 to avoid interest under Section 234B
- Interest under Section 234A (late filing) is waived until the new extended date
- ✔️ File Before September 15
- Avoid penalties (up to ₹5,000), ensure all disclosures are updated, and don’t wait till the last moment.
💰 Benefits & Considerations
- Higher Refund Interest:
Taxpayers will gain extra interest on refunds—0.5% per month under Section 244A—from April 1, 2025, even if filing after July 31 but before September 15.
This could boost refund interest by ~33% compared to a timely July filing . - Delayed Refunds:
E-filing utility delays may push refund disbursement—but delayed utilities will lead to delayed actual filings/refunds.
📌 Summary for Taxpayers
- ✅ Deadline: New date is September 15, 2025 (for non‑audit cases).
- 🛠️ Why: Form redesign + TDS credit latency.
- ✔️ Who: Most salaried/SME/professional taxpayers not requiring audit qualify.
- ⏰ Action:
- Gather documents & review TDS in June–July.
- Select regime & form carefully.
- Pay outstanding tax by Sep 15 to avoid 234B interest.
- File the ITR before Sep 15 & claim full benefits.
- 💡 Tip: Use extra time for accuracy—avoid edge-of-deadline rush. For audit-requiring entities, keep original deadlines in mind.
🛑 Final Call-to-Action
Don’t treat this extension as an excuse to procrastinate. Start your filing process now:
- Track Form 26AS/TDS entries
- Ensure correct form selection
- Pay any due tax
- Double-check deductions, capital gains, regime selection
Then submit confidently before September 15, 2025—for a smooth, penalty-free filing.