ITR Filing Update: Who Can File ITR-5 and ITR-7 by October 31, 2025 and Why
The Income Tax Department has issued an important update for certain categories of taxpayers. While the deadline for most individuals to file their income tax returns has already passed, some organizations and institutions still have time. They can file their returns using ITR-5 or ITR-7 until October 31, 2025.
This extension provides relief to entities that are subject to a tax audit, ensuring they have adequate time to complete their audit reports and then file their income tax returns.
Extended Deadline: Who Benefits?
For taxpayers whose accounts require a tax audit, the last date to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26 is October 31, 2025.
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For individuals and taxpayers not subject to audit, the deadline was September 16, 2025, which has already lapsed.
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This means that currently, only businesses, institutions, and organizations that are required to submit an audit report can file their returns.
The Income Tax Department has also rolled out online filing services for ITR-5 and ITR-7 forms, making the process more convenient. Both forms are now available with pre-filled data, which will save time and reduce errors for taxpayers.
Who Can File ITR-5?
ITR-5 is not meant for individuals or Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). Instead, it is designed for certain types of entities, such as:
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Partnership firms
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Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
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Association of Persons (AOPs)
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Body of Individuals (BOIs)
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Artificial Juridical Persons (AJP)
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Cooperative societies
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Local authorities
If these entities fall under the tax audit category, they must first submit their audit report and then proceed with filing their return using the ITR-5 form.
Who Can File ITR-7?
The ITR-7 form is reserved for organizations that fall under special provisions of the Income Tax Act—specifically Sections 139(4A), 139(4B), 139(4C), and 139(4D). These include:
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Religious or charitable trusts
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Political parties
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Research associations
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Universities and colleges
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Certain other notified institutions
Since the income of these organizations is assessed differently from regular taxpayers, a dedicated return form (ITR-7) has been provided for them.
How to File ITR-5 and ITR-7 Online
Filing these forms is straightforward and fully digital. Eligible taxpayers can follow these steps:
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Visit the official Income Tax e-filing portal at www.incometax.gov.in.
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Log in using your Aadhaar number, PAN, or registered credentials.
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Go to the e-File tab and select the appropriate Assessment Year.
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Choose the correct form (ITR-5 or ITR-7) based on your category.
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Fill in the required details—pre-filled data will already be available for verification.
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Submit the form after attaching the necessary documents, such as the audit report (where applicable).
Why This Update Matters
By offering extended deadlines and pre-filled forms, the Income Tax Department aims to make compliance smoother for large entities, trusts, and organizations. This not only reduces the compliance burden but also helps maintain accuracy in reporting financial details.
The step also aligns with the government’s larger goal of digitizing tax administration. Over the past few years, the department has introduced several online features, such as e-verification, digital signatures, and instant PAN services, to make tax compliance more accessible.
Final Word
While the majority of taxpayers must file their returns by the standard deadlines, special categories such as firms, LLPs, cooperative societies, and charitable institutions have until October 31, 2025, to file ITR-5 or ITR-7.
Those who fall under these categories should not delay, as timely filing ensures compliance and avoids penalties. With the convenience of online filing and pre-filled forms, the process is now easier than ever.
