Major relief! ITR filing deadline extended by one month, Rajasthan High Court orders

Rajasthan HC Extends ITR Filing Deadline by 1 Month, Offers Relief to Taxpayers

Jaipur, September 24, 2025: In a significant move, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered an extension for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and tax audit reports for the 2025–26 assessment year. This decision is expected to provide substantial relief to taxpayers and professionals who were seeking additional time to comply with tax requirements.

Extended Deadline

According to the court’s directive, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) must extend the filing deadline from September 30 to October 31, 2025. This extension currently applies to Rajasthan, but experts believe it could set a precedent for a nationwide extension, benefiting millions of taxpayers across India who have yet to file their returns.

Why the Extension Was Needed

The High Court’s decision comes after repeated requests from tax professionals and associations. Earlier, the Bhilwara Tax Bar Association filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, urging the court to extend the deadline. Several Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), had formally requested the Finance Ministry to provide additional time.

The ICAI, on September 19, 2025, requested a two-month extension, emphasizing that taxpayers need adequate time between non-audit ITR filing and tax audit report submission. Social media campaigns by chartered accountants on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) further pressured the authorities to act.

Past Extensions for FY 2024–25

The Income Tax Return deadline for FY 2024–25 had already been extended twice:

• Original deadline: July 31, 2025

• First extension: September 15, 2025

• Second extension: September 16, 2025 (one-day extension)

Despite these extensions, many taxpayers faced technical issues and portal slowdowns on the e-filing platform, making it difficult to submit returns on time.

Expert Views on the Court Order

Chartered accountants and tax experts have welcomed the High Court’s decision, calling it a major relief for both taxpayers and compliance professionals. By extending the deadline, the court has addressed ITR filing challenges caused by technical glitches and the growing volume of returns.

This move is expected to reduce last-minute rushes, minimize filing errors, and provide professionals with sufficient time to audit and file returns accurately.

Impact on Taxpayers

• Taxpayers in Rajasthan now have until October 31, 2025, to file ITR and tax audit reports.

• The extension helps individuals and businesses who faced technical or procedural hurdles.

• Professionals can now manage workloads more efficiently and ensure compliance without penalties.

Conclusion

The Rajasthan High Court’s directive underscores the importance of providing practical support to taxpayers. While currently applicable in Rajasthan, this order may encourage CBDT to issue a nationwide deadline extension, potentially offering relief to millions of taxpayers across India who have yet to complete their filings for FY 2024–25.

Tax experts advise all affected individuals and businesses to utilize this extension effectively to avoid errors, late fees, or non-compliance issues.