🔍 Quick Overview
The current Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date for Assessment Year 2025-26 is 15th September 2025, following this year’s extension for non-audit taxpayers due to changes in tax forms and increased digital compliance requirements. This comprehensive article provides up-to-date details and a practical guide for new investors and anyone unfamiliar with Indian ITR regulations, with tables summarizing the latest official reports and actionable steps for timely compliance.
📅 Current Due Date
15th September 2025 for individuals, HUFs, and other non-audit entities
💰 Late Fee
₹5,000 (income > ₹5L), ₹1,000 (income < ₹5L)
📊 ITRs Filed
5.13 crore returns filed as of September 9, 2025
🏢 Audit Cases
31st October 2025 deadline
ITR Filing Due Date: Latest Updates
- Current due date: 15th September 2025 for individuals, HUFs, and other non-audit entities.
- Original deadline: 31st July 2025 (extended by CBDT due to system upgrades and new ITR utilities).
- Likelihood of further extension: As of September 10, government sources have not indicated any plan for further extension.
- Audit cases’ deadline: 31st October 2025.
Reasons for the Extension in AY 2025-26
| Reason for Extension | Details |
|---|---|
| Updated ITR forms & utilities | Delayed release led to operational challenges for taxpayers |
| Portal glitches | Reported by CAs and taxpayers, causing slow e-filing, verification, and refund processing |
| Increased reporting burden | Tax reforms and new slab rules required additional preparation time |
| Festive season | August–September festivals affected available working days |
Latest Activity: Reporting and Filing Status
As of September 9, 2025:
| ITR Activity | Count (All India) |
|---|---|
| Total ITRs Filed | 5.13 crore |
| ITRs Verified | 4.84 crore |
| ITRs Processed | 3.49 crore |
Despite record filings, millions are still pending, mostly due to last-minute compliance and unresolved portal issues.
ITR Filing Penalties and Consequences
| Scenario | Late Fee | Additional Charges |
|---|---|---|
| ITR filed after 15 Sep 2025 | ₹5,000 (income > ₹5 lakh), ₹1,000 (income < ₹5 lakh) | 1%/month interest on unpaid tax (Sec 234A) |
| Refund Delays | Delayed until processing completed | Interest awarded only on processed time |
| Belated Return Allowed Till | 31st December 2025 (with penalty) | Revised return allowed until 31st Dec |
Key Sections
- Section 234F: Late filing fee up to ₹5,000.
- Section 234A: Interest on unpaid tax at 1% per month.
Important ITR Filing Dates for AY 2025-26
| Taxpayer Category | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Individuals/HUF/Other (non-audit) | 15 Sep 2025 |
| Firms and Companies (Audit) | 31 Oct 2025 |
| Transfer Pricing/International Transactions | 30 Nov 2025 |
| Belated/Revised Return | 31 Dec 2025 |
| Updated Return (corrections/unreported incomes) | 31 Mar 2030 |
Common Issues in ITR Filing 2025
- Portal errors: Users report slow loading, difficulty verifying returns, and delayed refund status, especially close to the deadline.
- Form confusion: New taxpayers face challenges selecting the right ITR form (ITR-1 for salary/pension, ITR-2 for capital gains, ITR-3/4 for business/profession).
- TDS mismatch: Many taxpayers wait for their TDS details to update, which sometimes causes last-minute rushes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File ITR for AY 2025-26
Gather Documents
PAN, Aadhaar, salary statements, interest certificates, TDS certificates, rent receipts, capital gain statements. Keep all proof for investments and deductions, but do not attach them with your online return unless specifically asked by department.
Login & Select Assessment Year
- Go to https://www.incometax.gov.in
- Log in using PAN/Aadhaar and password.
- Choose “e-File” → “Income Tax Return” → “File Income Tax Return”
- Select Assessment Year: 2025-26.
Confirm Details & Choose Form
System will auto-populate basic details like salary, interest, TDS. Fill in any missing data. Choose the correct form (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, etc.).
Add Deductions and Income
- Enter additional incomes (capital gains, rental, business, etc.).
- Claim deductions (80C, 80D, 80TTA, etc.).
- Select either the old regime (with exemptions) or new regime (lower rates, no exemptions).
Verify, Preview & Submit
- Preview the completed form for errors.
- Submit the return.
e-Verification
Use Aadhaar OTP, netbanking, or download and upload ITR-V for verification. e-Verification is mandatory or the return will be invalid.
Check Status
After submission, check for processing or refund status under “View Returns/Forms” section. Print acknowledgment/ITR-V for personal records.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Verify TDS and Form 26AS: Confirm all income and TDS details match Form 26AS—discrepancies cause refund delays.
- Double-check PAN/Aadhaar linking: Since non-linking leads to rejection or errors.
- Don’t wait for last day: Filing early helps avoid technical glitches and penalties.
Demands and Feedback from CA Associations
- Widespread appeal: Multiple CA bodies and trade organizations have pressed for further extension, citing portal problems and festive season as hurdles to timely compliance.
- Regional concerns: Some states, especially flood-affected or digitally backward regions, may see localized extension based on government discretion.
Government’s Position: Why Extensions Are Unlikely
- CBDT’s guidance: Over 5 crore filings so far indicate high compliance; policy focus is to avoid habitual delays.
- No extension announcement as of September 10, 2025: The government wants taxpayers to consider 15 September as final unless official notification arrives.
Latest News Table: ITR Filing Data (as on September 10, 2025)
| Status Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Total ITRs Filed | 5.13 crore |
| Returns Verified | 4.84 crore |
| Returns Processed | 3.49 crore |
| Current Due Date | 15 Sep 2025 |
| Latest Penalty Demand | ₹5,000 (income > ₹5L) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: 15th September 2025 for non-audit individuals, HUFs, professionals.
A: Late fee up to ₹5,000, delayed refunds, monthly interest on tax balance. Belated returns allowed until December 31, 2025 (with penalty).
A: Yes—until December 31, 2025 with Section 234F fee and interest; after December, only in rare cases or department’s notice.
A: No extension announced yet; government considers compliance satisfactory and urges timely filing.
Conclusion: What Every Taxpayer Should Do Now
For share market participants and new taxpayers, filing ITR before September 15, 2025 is crucial to avoid penalties, unlock refunds, and maintain financial eligibility for investments. Choose the correct ITR form, verify all details, e-verify promptly, and keep all proofs handy for future assessments. Do not wait for last-minute government relief. Act now for smoother compliance and a hassle-free investment journey in India’s dynamic financial landscape.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Research & AI Assistance: This article has been researched using Perplexity.ai for the latest information and dates, and enhanced using Deepseek AI and Claude AI to present comprehensive content for our readers. All articles are thoroughly reviewed by our Sheretarget.com editorial team.
Investment Advisory: We are not SEBI-registered advisors. Financial markets are always risky for investors. This website is solely for training and educational purposes. Before making any investment decisions, we strongly recommend consulting with certified financial experts. We will not be responsible for anyone’s profit or loss.
Information Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, tax laws and regulations may change. Always verify current information with official government sources and qualified tax professionals.
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📅 Last Updated: September 10, 2025 | Next Review: September 20, 2025
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