The last date for filing income tax returns (ITR) is now just 13 days away. The government had extended the last date from July 31 to September 15, 2025 this year, but now the chances of extension depend on how the next one week or so unfolds in terms of number of ITRs getting filed and how smooth the whole process goes for return filers. But, experts suggest that taxpayers should not wait until last minute just to see if the government gives another extension in the ITR filing deadline.
They are of the view that waiting till the last minute can be risky as technical glitches on the portal may surface due to a large number of people trying to meet the filing deadline. In such a situation, it is best to file your return in well advance.
To help you, here’s a 10-point last-minute checklist. Read it carefully and make sure that every point is ticked before filing ITR.
1. Gather all the necessary documents in advance
Keep all the necessary documents ready to save time and avoid mistakes during ITR filing. These include Form-16, Form 26AS, AIS (Annual Information Statement), bank statement, interest certificate, investment and insurance premium receipts, PAN and Aadhaar card. If these documents are kept in different places, then the problem may increase at the last moment.
2. Choose the right ITR form
It is very important to choose the right form to fill ITR. Each form has its own conditions and eligibility. For example, ITR-1 is for salaried and pensioners, while people with business or capital gains have to fill ITR-2 or ITR-3. There have been some new changes this year, such as ITR-1 can be chosen even if the LTCG is up to Rs 1.25 lakh.
3. Fill the additional information asked in the new form
This time the ITR forms are asking for more details. Such as the name and PAN details of the landlord for HRA claim, insurance policy number, PPF account number, name of the health insurance company etc. If you leave this information incomplete, the claim may be rejected.
4. There should be no discrepancy in the documents
If the information in Form-16, AIS and Form 26AS does not match, the Income Tax Department can send a notice. Therefore, it is important to cross-check all the data related to TDS, income and tax payment.
5. Check bank account pre-validation
If you have to get tax refund, then its payment will come in the same account which you have pre-validated on the Income Tax portal. Many taxpayers ignore this step, due to which the refund may get stuck. Therefore, it is important to have the bank account linked and validated.
6. Do e-Verification on time
After filing ITR, it is mandatory to e-verify it. Without e-verification, your return will be considered incomplete. You can easily do this through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC or digital signature.
7. Compare the old and new tax regimes
Many people choose the wrong tax regime in a hurry and regret it later. The old regime has more exemptions and deductions, while the new regime has lower tax rates but no deductions. Compare the two and see which one is more beneficial for you.
8. Understand the consequences of late filing
Taxpayers who fail to file ITR by September 15 will have an option to file a belated return by December 31, 2025. But for this, they will have to pay a penalty of up to Rs 5,000.
9. Avoid technical glitches
The ITR portal often faces problems like time-out, server slowness and login errors. Past experiences suggest that as the deadline approaches, these problems increase. So taxpayers are advised that they should not wait till the last day.
10. Review before submitting
Before submitting the form, make sure to double-check all the details — income, tax deductions, investments, bank details — to avoid any errors. This will help taxpayers avoid errors and get their income tax refunds quickly.
Summing up…
ITR filing is not just a formality but also a part of your financial responsibility. Avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your returns are filed on time and without errors with this 10-point checklist.