Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is a legal obligation and a financial responsibility for all eligible taxpayers in India. The Income Tax Department has revised the deadlines for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26), offering relief to salaried individuals and taxpayers not subject to audit.
However, the filing dates vary depending on the type of income and whether an audit report is required.
If you are a salaried individual, part of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or fall under any other category not requiring an audit, you now have more time to file your returns.
“The last date to file your ITR for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26) is now September 15, 2025 instead of July 31, 2025.”
This extension of 45 days has been granted to help taxpayers adjust to the revised ITR forms, allowing more time for accurate and error-free filing.
If you're engaged in business, run a company, or are a partner in a firm that requires an audit, your filing timeline is different.
“First, you must submit your audit report by September 30, 2025. After that, you have time till October 31, 2025 to file your ITR.”
Currently, there’s no announcement about any extension for these categories, so it’s crucial to prepare early and submit documents within the prescribed timeframe.
Some taxpayers with international dealings or special domestic transactions must comply with Section 92E of the Income Tax Act.
“If this applies to you, then your ITR deadline is November 30, 2025, and your audit report must be filed by October 31, 2025.”
These deadlines are fixed for now, so concerned taxpayers should begin documentation early to avoid last-minute rush and possible penalties.
If you fail to file your ITR by the regular due dates, you can still file a belated return — but there are consequences.
“You can still file a belated ITR till December 31, 2025. But remember, this comes with a penalty and you might lose some benefits, like carrying forward losses.”
Late filing of income tax returns invites penalties and interest. Here's what you could face:
“If you file late, you may have to pay interest at 1% per month on any unpaid tax. There’s also a fixed penalty.”
“If your total income is below Rs 5 lakh, the late fee is Rs 1,000. If it’s above Rs 5 lakh, you may have to pay Rs 5,000 if you file late but before December 31, 2025.”
Clearly, filing on time is the smart and cost-effective approach.
The updated ITR forms are now available on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. The forms come with pre-filled data to ease the process and reduce human errors.
Taxpayers are encouraged to:
Login early and check applicable forms
Use the portal's auto-filled options
Confirm all income sources and deductions
Save copies of their filing for future use
| Taxpayer Type | Audit Required | Audit Report Due | ITR Filing Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaried / HUF / Others (No Audit) | No | — | September 15, 2025 |
| Businesses / Firms (Audit Required) | Yes | September 30, 2025 | October 31, 2025 |
| With International Transactions (92E) | Yes | October 31, 2025 | November 30, 2025 |
| Belated Return (Any Category) | — | — | December 31, 2025 |
It is crucial to understand your tax category and file on time to avoid penalties and missed opportunities. With the government providing more time to salaried taxpayers, and no current extensions for audit and international transaction cases, staying informed and prepared is key. Bookmark your due date, gather all documents, and take advantage of online filing tools. Timely compliance not only avoids fines but also helps build a clean financial record.