31 July or 15 September? By when do salaried people have to file ITR, know your deadline

ITR Filing 2025: Salaried Individuals Get Deadline Relief Till September 15

In a major relief to taxpayers, especially salaried individuals and those not requiring audit, the last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025–26 has been extended from July 31 to September 15, 2025. The government made this decision to accommodate changes due to the introduction of the new tax regime in this year’s ITR forms.

Here’s everything you need to know about the revised deadlines, who the extension applies to, and what happens if you miss it.

Who Can Benefit from This Extension?

If you are a salaried taxpayer or someone whose accounts do not require an audit, you now have until September 15, 2025, to file your ITR. This extension gives non-auditable taxpayers more time to gather documents, verify details, and avoid last-minute rushes.

Why Was the ITR Deadline Extended?

This year, the Income Tax Department has included the new tax regime in all ITR forms. Updating the e-filing system to incorporate these changes took additional time, prompting the government to revise the deadline. This ensures a smoother filing process for taxpayers and tax consultants alike.

ITR Forms Now Available Online

The following ITR forms are currently available for online filing on the official Income Tax portal:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj)

• ITR-2

• ITR-3

• ITR-4 (Sugam)

Taxpayers must choose the correct form based on their income type, residential status, and profession to avoid rejection or penalties.

Is ITR Filing Mandatory for Everyone?

Not necessarily. If you are below 60 years of age and your total annual income is below the basic exemption limit, you are not required to file an ITR. However, filing a return is beneficial if you wish to claim a tax refund, show capital losses, or apply for a loan or visa.

What Are the Due Dates for Taxpayers Requiring Audit?

For taxpayers whose accounts require auditing, the last date for ITR filing is October 31, 2025.
If your business involves international or specified domestic transactions, the deadline is further extended to November 30, 2025.

Penalty for Late Filing

Filing your ITR after the deadline can lead to penalties and interest. Here's what you might have to pay:

• If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the late fee is ₹1,000.

• For income above ₹5 lakh, the late fee is ₹5,000.

• Additionally, you will have to pay 1% interest per month on the unpaid tax amount until the return is filed.

To avoid these penalties, it’s crucial to file your ITR within the extended deadline.

Want to Report Losses? File On Time

If you've incurred a loss in stock markets, mutual funds, or business, filing your ITR before the due date is essential. Only timely filing allows you to carry forward these losses to offset future gains.

Made a Mistake? You Can Revise Your Return

If you’ve already filed your return and discovered an error, don’t worry. The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to file a revised return until December 31, 2025. This option helps correct any unintentional mistakes without facing legal consequences.

Don't Wait Till the Last Minute

With the deadline extended to September 15, you now have extra time—but don’t delay your filing until the final day. Early filing ensures that you avoid last-minute technical glitches, queue times, and errors. More importantly, it gives you peace of mind.

Final Word

The extension of the ITR filing deadline to September 15, 2025, is a welcome move for salaried and non-auditable taxpayers. However, this extra time should be used wisely. File your returns well before the deadline to avoid penalties, correct errors if any, and claim all due benefits.