With September 15 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26 here, taxpayers and Chartered Accountants (CAs) are reporting persistent glitches on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. Complaints include login failures, unusually slow response times, and repeated difficulties in downloading essential documents such as the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS.
Payment disruptions have also been flagged, with some users finding it difficult to generate challans or complete online tax payments. The surge in portal traffic is being cited as the key reason for these issues, compounded by the fact that third-party tax software can no longer fetch AIS automatically, forcing users to rely on manual downloads from the official portal.
I-T Department’s advisory
The Income Tax Department has acknowledged the complaints and issued a set of practical tips to help users complete their filings without undue delay. Taxpayers have been advised to clear their browser cache and cookies, switch between browsers such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, and ensure a stable internet connection, preferably via wired broadband.
Another recommendation is to attempt filings during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening, when system load is lower. Those still unable to resolve technical difficulties are encouraged to contact the Department’s 24×7 helpdesk, which is accessible via calls, online chat, WebEx sessions and the official handle on X.
Despite rising calls from individuals and professional bodies for an extension of the filing deadline, the Department has reiterated that no further extension will be granted this year.
Step-by-step fixes
To help taxpayers file smoothly, the Department has suggested the following steps:
Step 1: Clear browser cache and cookies to refresh the portal interface.
Step 2: Switch browsers – use Microsoft Edge or Chrome for best compatibility.
Step 3: Use incognito mode or stable wired internet to avoid session errors.
Step 4: Avoid peak hours by filing in the early morning or late evening.
Step 5: Download AIS directly from the portal, not through third-party software.
Step 5: Contact the IT helpdesk if problems persist.
ITR fake extension notice
Adding to the confusion, a fake circular has been widely circulated on WhatsApp and social media, falsely claiming that the ITR deadline has been extended to 30 September. The Department has categorically denied this, stressing that the last date remains 15 September 2025. Taxpayers have been urged to rely only on official announcements from IncomeTax India.
What will happen if you miss the deadline?
Failure to file by September 15 will attract penalties. Taxpayers with income above Rs 5 lakh face a late fee of Rs 5,000, while those with income below that threshold will be charged Rs 1,000 under section 234F.
A belated or revised return can still be filed until December 31, 2025, but penalties apply. Updated returns (ITR-U) can be filed until March 31, 2030. In addition, unpaid taxes attract 1% monthly interest under section 234A.
Crucially, filing alone is not sufficient. An ITR must be e-verified within 30 days to be deemed valid and to ensure refunds are processed.
ITRs filed till now
As of September 14, more than 6.69 crore ITRs have already been filed for AY 2025-26, according to official data. While slightly behind last year’s record of 7.28 crore filings, the figures underscore India’s expanding taxpayer base and the growing culture of compliance, despite the digital roadblocks.