Income Tax Return Filing Deadline Extension AY 2025-26: The last date for Income Tax Return (ITR) filing for AY 2025-26 is September 15, 2025, with just 4 days remaining. But, as feared earlier, taxpayers are facing technical glitches while trying to file their returns on the e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department.
For in-depth analysis on whether the ITR filing due date may be extended, read here.
Days ahead of the deadline, ITR filers facing technical glitches
Income tax assessees are taking to social media platforms to vent their frustration against the technical issues they are facing while trying to file their income tax returns. Taxpayers as well as chartered accountants are saying that they are not able to access the Annual Information Statement (AIS), Form 26AS, and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS). Though these issues have been major talking points for taxpayers for more than one month.
How many returns have been filed so far?
According to the data of the Income Tax Department till September 11, about 5.48 crore ITRs have been filed. Out of these, 5.15 crore returns have also been verified. However, the picture is different in terms of processing—only 3.66 crore returns have been processed so far. That is, taxpayers who have already filed returns may have to wait longer for the refund.
Will there be an extension in the ITR deadline?
“The question of whether the government will extend the due date for filing income tax returns (ITRs) must be examined against the twin benchmarks of compliance data and systemic readiness. On both these counts, the current scenario suggests that a deadline extension is highly unlikely,” says Dinkar Sharma, Company Secretary and Partner, Jotwani Associates.
It is acknowledged that taxpayers have faced intermittent technical glitches, including slow loading of the income tax portal and difficulties during peak hours, he added.
What do ITR filing and processing figures suggest about likelihood of a deadline extension?
Looking at the trend of previous years, 8 crore ITRs are expected to be filed by the end of this September 15 deadline. Current figures show that to achieve this target, about 2.5 crore new ITRs should be filed in these remaining 4 days. Although about 18 lakh ITRs were filed on September 11, it is challenging to move forward at this pace. In such a situation, reaching 8 crore returns by September 15 is difficult, but not impossible.
The deadline was extended earlier too
In May this year, the government gave a big relief to the taxpayers by extending the deadline from July 31 by 46 days to September 15. The reason given was – some operational problems and technical problems with ITR forms and utilities. This was the reason that both CAs and taxpayers had unanimously demanded more time. Now once again taxpayers and CAs are demanding an extension of 15 to 30 days.
Process and challenges of ITR filing
The process of ITR filing is now completely online. Taxpayers have to register on the income tax portal, choose the correct ITR form (such as ITR-1 for salary and pension holders, ITR-3 for business income holders, etc.), fill in their income and tax details and then submit the return.
Options like Aadhaar OTP, netbanking or demat account are available for e-verification.
If someone does not verify on time, there may be a delay in return processing.
Taxpayers’ concern
There is a provision of a penalty for those who are unable to file returns on time. Taxpayers with an income of more than Rs 5 lakh may have to pay a fine of up to Rs 5,000 on late filing. Also, late filing will delay tax refunds.
What next?
The government is currently monitoring the situation. However, there has been no official statement on whether the deadline will be extended again this time or not. But given the slow pace and past precedents, taxpayers are hoping to get some relief.