ITR Filing Deadline 2025: Only Hours Left to File Income Tax Return, Key Rules to Remember Before Midnight

By Siddhi Jain | Sep 15, 2025, 19:38 IST

The countdown has begun for taxpayers across India. September 15, 2025 (Monday) marks the last date to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025–26. With just a few hours left, the Income Tax Department is urging taxpayers not to wait until the final moment and to complete their filings immediately.

Millions Rush to File Returns

According to official data, by September 13, nearly 6.29 crore returns had already been filed. Last year, the total stood at 7.28 crore ITRs, and this year, the figure is expected to cross 7.8 crore, reflecting a consistent rise in tax compliance.

AY 2024–25: 7.28 crore returns filed
AY 2023–24: 6.77 crore returns filed
AY 2022–23: 5.82 crore returns filed
AY 2021–22: 5.77 crore returns filed

This means filings have grown nearly 25% in the last three years. In fact, on the final day last year, the e-filing portal processed a record 70 lakh returns in 24 hours. This time too, the portal is experiencing heavy traffic, with many taxpayers and chartered accountants reporting slowdowns.

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

Originally, the due date for ITR filing was July 31, 2025. However, the government extended it to September 15, 2025. The extension was granted because of:

Changes in ITR forms and their utilities.
Delay in releasing Excel and Java-based filing tools.
Technical adjustments to ensure smoother filings.

Interestingly, September 15 is also the deadline for paying the second installment of Advance Tax, putting additional pressure on taxpayers.

Which ITR Form Should You File?

Many taxpayers are often confused about the right form to use. Here’s a quick guide:

ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh.
ITR-2: For those without business income, not covered in ITR-1.
ITR-3: For individuals with business or professional income.
ITR-4: For small businesses, HUFs, and firms (except LLPs) with income up to ₹50 lakh.
ITR-V: A simple acknowledgment receipt after filing.

How Can You File?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) offers multiple filing options:

Offline filing on paper.
Online filing with a digital signature.
Online submission with an e-verification code (EVC).
Online filing followed by sending ITR-V.

The official e-filing portal is: incometax.gov.in.

Documents You Need

While no documents are attached to the return, taxpayers must keep the following handy:

PAN and Aadhaar
Bank account details
Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
Form 26AS and AIS
Capital gains statements
Investment proofs
Home loan details or rent receipts (if applicable)

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you fail to file today, you can still submit a belated return by December 31, 2025, but with penalties:

₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh.
₹5,000 if income exceeds ₹5 lakh.

Additionally, missing the deadline means:

Loss of certain tax deductions.
Possible penalties or prosecution:
- 3 months to 2 years of imprisonment in some cases.
- Up to 7 years if tax evasion exceeds ₹25 lakh.

Benefits of Filing on Time

Filing your ITR before the deadline comes with several advantages:

Avoid penalties and legal consequences.
Faster tax refunds directly credited to your bank account.
Maintains a clean financial record, useful for loans, visas, and future compliance.
Secures eligibility for tax exemptions and deductions.

Final Word

The ITR filing deadline for AY 2025–26 will not be extended further. With only hours left until midnight, taxpayers must act fast to avoid penalties, delays, or complications. Timely filing ensures peace of mind, financial discipline, and smoother compliance in the future.

So, if you haven’t filed your return yet, this is the moment to log in, complete your details, and hit submit before the clock runs out.