ITR Filing Deadline 2025: Income Tax Department Shares 6 Essential Tips for Last-Minute Filers

The deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025–26 ends tonight at 11:59 PM, September 16, 2025. Initially, the last date was September 15, but the government extended it by a day to provide relief to taxpayers facing portal-related issues. With the extended deadline ending today, lakhs of taxpayers are expected to rush to complete their filings, causing heavy traffic on the e-filing portal.

To ensure smoother filing, the Income Tax Department (ITD) has issued important tips for taxpayers, particularly for those experiencing delays or technical errors while submitting their returns.

Common Issues Faced by Taxpayers

Several taxpayers have reported problems such as OTP delays, login failures, and submission errors on the e-filing portal. The ITD clarified that many of these glitches are not due to the portal itself but are often related to local system settings or browser configurations.

To help users resolve these issues and file returns on time, the department has provided a step-by-step guide.

6 Key Tips Shared by the Income Tax Department

1. Clear Temporary Files

   • Press Win + R, type temp and %temp%, and delete all temporary files from your system.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

   • Cached data and cookies often create login or submission errors. Clearing them can speed up portal performance.

3. Use Supported Browsers

   • Ensure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, which are officially supported by the portal.

4. Log in Using Incognito or Private Mode

   • This helps bypass stored cache and cookies, minimizing login issues.

5. Disable Extensions

   • Turn off ad-blockers, privacy extensions, or plug-ins that may interfere with the e-filing portal.

6. Update Browser & Try Different Networks

   • Keep your browser updated to the latest version. If issues persist, switch to a different Wi-Fi connection or use a mobile hotspot.

Why Filing Early Matters

Tax experts have warned taxpayers against waiting until the last minute. As the clock approaches midnight, the portal is likely to witness peak traffic, which may slow down logins and submissions further. Filing early not only helps avoid last-minute panic but also gives sufficient time for e-verification, which is a mandatory step to complete the ITR filing process.

What If Problems Continue?

If technical issues persist even after trying the above steps, taxpayers can reach out to the official Income Tax Department helpdesk available on the portal. Support staff are assisting users in resolving login and submission difficulties.

Final Reminder for Taxpayers

The deadline for filing ITR will not be extended beyond 11:59 PM tonight (September 16, 2025). All taxpayers are urged to complete both e-filing and e-verification on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

With just hours left, following the department’s troubleshooting tips can make the process smoother and ensure compliance before the window closes.