ITR Filing 2025: Only 3 Days Left! Step-by-Step Guide to File Your Income Tax Return Online
The countdown has begun for taxpayers in India. The last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26) is September 15, 2025. With only three days left, millions of salaried employees, professionals, freelancers, and business owners are rushing to complete their filings before the deadline. Missing the date can result in penalties and delays in refunds, making timely filing crucial.
Why Is This Deadline Important?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) fixed this year’s deadline after introducing new ITR forms and updated utilities to make the process more convenient for taxpayers. Filing returns on time not only helps avoid penalties but also ensures faster processing and quicker refunds.
Documents You Need Before Filing
Before starting the filing process, make sure you have all essential documents in place:
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Form 16 issued by your employer
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Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) from the income tax portal
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PAN and Aadhaar cards
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Proof of investments such as FDs, PPF contributions, insurance premium receipts, and home loan interest certificates
Having these documents ready will help you file smoothly and avoid last-minute errors.
Step-by-Step Process to File ITR Online
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Collect all documents related to income and investments.
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Download Form 26AS and AIS from the e-filing portal and match them with your income and TDS details.
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Choose the correct ITR form based on your income type.
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Fill in income details, exemptions, and deductions accurately.
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Submit the return through the e-filing portal.
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Complete e-verification within 30 days of filing.
Why E-Verification Is Mandatory
E-verification is a critical step. Without it, your return will be treated as invalid. You can verify your ITR using:
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Aadhaar-based OTP
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Net banking
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Electronic Verification Code (EVC)
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Sending a signed physical copy of ITR-V to the CPC office via post
Penalties for Late Filing
If you miss the September 15 deadline, you can still file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, this comes with penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act:
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₹5,000 penalty if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh
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₹1,000 penalty if your income is below ₹5 lakh
In addition to the penalty, late filing may also delay refunds and prevent you from carrying forward certain losses.
Bottom Line
With just three days left, taxpayers should act quickly to file their ITR online and complete e-verification within the stipulated time. Timely filing ensures compliance with the law, prevents unnecessary penalties, and helps secure faster refunds.
