The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26) is September 15, 2025, giving taxpayers 46-day additional time beyond the original July 31 date.
But with only one month left, about 2.93 crore income tax returns have been filed so far this year in the last two-and-a-half months since the return filing started in May. Considering that there are only 33 more days to go before the deadline ends for filing returns by taxpayers in the non-audit category for AY 2025-26, it is expected that the pace of return filing will pick up in the coming weeks. Over 9 crore tax returns were filed in the last assessment year.
Filing your tax return this year? Head to our detailed ITR Guide for everything you need to know.
Taxpayers are advised not to wait till the last minute, expecting that the Income Tax Department will extend the ITR filing deadline again beyond September 15. Delaying the filing of ITR beyond September 15 could cost you heavily — from late fees under Section 234F to hefty interest charges under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
For taxpayers who do not have to undergo audit – such as common individuals, HUFs, etc. – the original date for filing income tax returns (ITR) was extended from 31st July 2025 to 15th September 2025.
Extended deadlines and categories of taxpayers
Non-audit cases: (individuals, HUFs etc.) The last date for ITR has been fixed as 15 September 2025. This extension has been done with the aim of giving relief to taxpayers.
Audit Cases (Section 44AB): The deadline for filing ITR is usually October 31, 2025; however, it may vary slightly from year to year.
Transfer Pricing (Form 3CEB): The deadline for filing ITR is usually November 30, 2025 — but this may change as per CBDT/Rules notifications.
Belated/Revised Returns: Deadline is December 31, 2025, after which this option will not be available.
ITR-U (Updated Return): As per the new rules, returns can now be filed through ITR-U for up to 48 months — i.e., for AY 2025-26, the window will be from January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2030.
Late Fee (Section 234F) and Interest (Sections 234A, 234B, 234C)
Late Fee (234F):
If your total income is less than Rs 5 lakh, then a maximum penalty of Rs 1,000 will be charged.
For income of Rs 5 lakh or more, a late fee of Rs 5,000 will be charged.
This penalty will be applicable for submitting belated returns after the deadline (September 15).
Interest:
234A: If tax is due and the return is filed late, then interest at the rate of 1% per month will be charged from the day following the due date till the date of filing/payment of return.
234B: If advance tax was due and you paid less than 90%, then interest at the rate of 1% per month will be added from 1 April (beginning of AY) till the return filing.
234C: If advance tax instalments (15 June, 15 September, etc.) are not paid on time or in full, then interest is added according to that period.
Options if ITR is not filed by 15 September
Belated ITR (by 31 December):
Late fees + interest will be applicable.
The most important disadvantage is that most types of losses (such as capital loss, business loss) will not be carried forward.
Revised ITR (by 31 December):
If you filed on time or belatedly, but there is a mistake in it, then you can correct it till 31 December.
ITR-U (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2030):
Despite the remaining options, this option is limited for refund, loss claim etc., but can be filed by paying additional tax slab (25%–70%).
Condonation from CBDT (Sec 119(2)(b)):
Under very special circumstances, if there is a case for refund or relief, an appeal can be made to CBDT for condonation.
Impact on refund (Section 244A)
If your case is a refund claim and you file late, the interest you get on the refund may also be less, because it is calculated as per the filing date – not the due date.
So, it is beneficial to file on time even on refund.
Summing up…
Take advantage of ITR Filing AY 2025-26 Deadline Extension – Filing ITR before 15 September 2025 is the cheapest, safest, and loss carry forward benefits option.
In case of delay: Late fees (Rs 1,000 / Rs 5,000) will be charged; interest at the rate of 1% per month (234A, 234B, 234C) will be applicable; benefits like loss carry-forward may be lost, and if it is a case of refund, the interest on refund may also be reduced.