Income Tax Return Filing Deadline: Will CBDT Extend ITR Date Again for Taxpayers in 2025?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently offered relief to millions of taxpayers by extending the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025–26. Initially set for 31 July 2025, the deadline was extended to 15 September 2025 for individuals who are not required to undergo an audit of their accounts. This included salaried professionals, pensioners, and non-resident Indians (NRIs).
The move was widely welcomed as it provided much-needed breathing space for taxpayers to complete their filings without last-minute stress. However, fresh reports now suggest that the ITR deadline may be extended yet again, raising hopes for further relaxation among taxpayers struggling with technical glitches and compliance pressures.
Why Is Another Extension Being Considered?
The possibility of a fresh extension comes after the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wrote to CBDT, requesting additional time for taxpayers. According to the Chamber, many individuals and businesses are facing challenges such as:
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Technical issues while accessing or submitting returns on the ITR portal.
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Delays in gathering essential documents like Form 16, TDS certificates, or investment proofs.
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Insufficient time to cross-check entries, especially for those filing returns close to the deadline.
GCCI argued that extending the deadline will not only benefit taxpayers by allowing them to file accurate returns but will also help the government collect more precise financial data.
Who Benefited From the Earlier Extension?
The previous extension from 31 July to 15 September 2025 primarily helped those taxpayers who do not fall under the category of mandatory audits. These included:
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Salaried individuals, who typically rely on Form 16 and salary slips.
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Pensioners, who often face difficulties in online filing.
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NRIs, who may struggle with time zone differences and document verification.
For this segment, the extra six weeks offered significant relief, especially amid recurring technical slowdowns reported on the ITR portal during peak filing periods.
What Happens If the Deadline Is Extended Again?
If CBDT decides to push the deadline further, it could bring dual benefits:
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Taxpayer Convenience – More time will mean fewer errors, better compliance, and reduced stress among individuals filing at the last minute.
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Government Accuracy – With cleaner and more verified data, the Income Tax Department can maintain greater transparency and efficiency in assessments.
However, experts also caution that frequent extensions may encourage some taxpayers to procrastinate, leading to delays in the government’s overall tax collection process.
What Should Taxpayers Do Now?
As of now, the official deadline remains 15 September 2025. Until CBDT makes any further announcement, taxpayers are advised to:
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Begin filing their returns as early as possible to avoid last-minute portal congestion.
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Ensure all documents such as bank statements, TDS certificates, and investment proofs are ready.
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Double-check income details and claim eligible deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and others.
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Seek assistance from a tax consultant if they face technical or procedural challenges.
The Road Ahead
At present, all eyes are on CBDT to see whether it will respond to GCCI’s request and grant taxpayers another extension. With millions yet to file their ITRs, any such decision will have a direct impact on compliance rates and taxpayer convenience.
For now, the best strategy for individuals is not to wait for an official announcement but to complete their filings at the earliest. Whether or not the deadline is extended, timely filing ensures peace of mind and avoids penalties.
Bottom line: While there is growing demand for another extension, taxpayers should not rely solely on speculation. CBDT’s decision in the coming days will determine whether 15 September 2025 remains the final cutoff or if taxpayers get an additional lifeline.
