ITR Filing Deadline Extended: Taxpayers Get Relief Till September 15—Know Who's Eligible and What to Watch Out For

In a major relief for millions of Indian taxpayers, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially extended the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for the financial year 2024–25. Taxpayers who were earlier required to file their returns by July 31, 2025, now have time until September 15, 2025, to do so. However, this extension applies only to a specific category of individuals, and not everyone will benefit from this relaxation. So, it’s crucial to understand if you're eligible and how to avoid penalties.

✅ Who Benefits from the Extended Deadline?

The CBDT has extended the ITR filing date only for individuals whose accounts do not require auditing. This includes:

• Salaried employees

• Pensioners

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

For these groups, filing an ITR beyond July 31 but before September 15 will not attract any late fees or penalties, provided they fall under the specified category.

⚠️ Not Everyone Is Covered

It’s important to note that the new deadline does not apply to all taxpayers. Those who fall outside the defined eligibility criteria will still be bound to the original July 31, 2025, deadline. If they file their ITR after this date, they could face financial penalties, including interest under specific sections of the Income Tax Act.

Hence, it is advisable for all taxpayers to:

• Verify their applicable deadline based on their category

• Ensure timely submission to avoid legal or financial repercussions

🕒 Why Was the ITR Deadline Extended?

The government generally releases ITR forms and associated offline/online utilities in early April, allowing taxpayers to begin the filing process promptly. However, for FY 2024–25:

• The ITR forms were released almost a month late

• Several major changes were introduced in the forms

• As a result, development and rollout of digital filing utilities were also delayed

This unexpected delay made it difficult for many taxpayers to file on time, prompting the CBDT to grant an extension to ensure smoother compliance.

💰 What About Self-Assessment Tax?

While the ITR deadline has been extended for some, there is no change in the due date for self-assessment tax payment. If you owe any remaining tax—after accounting for TDS and advance tax—you must pay it by July 31, 2025.

Failing to do so may attract penal interest under Section 234A of the Income Tax Act, even if you file the return before September 15. So, it's crucial to settle any outstanding dues within the original timeline.

🔍 Understanding the Penalty Provisions

Late tax payments and delayed ITR filings can result in penalties under the following sections:

• Section 234A: If the return is filed after the due date, interest is charged on the tax due.

• Section 234B: If less than 90% of the total tax liability has been paid as advance tax, additional interest applies.

Therefore, to avoid penalties:

• Ensure your self-assessment tax is paid on or before July 31

• Submit your ITR before your applicable deadline, whether July 31 or the extended date of September 15

✅ Final Checklist for Taxpayers:

• Confirm if you fall under the eligible category for deadline extension

• Pay any pending self-assessment tax by July 31

• File your ITR by September 15 (if eligible) or July 31 (if not)

• Use the latest ITR utilities provided by the Income Tax Department

🔔 Bottom Line

The government’s decision to extend the ITR filing deadline offers significant breathing room for eligible taxpayers. However, this relief doesn’t apply universally, and misunderstanding the rules could lead to costly mistakes. Stay informed, act within the deadline relevant to your category, and ensure your taxes are paid on time to avoid penalties and interest.

Stay compliant. File smart. Avoid penalties.