ITR filing deadline extended

The deadline for filing income tax returns for non-audit cases such as salaried individuals who are using ITR-1 or ITR-4 has been extended to September 15, 2025 for FY 2024-25.

Earlier the last date was July 31. From now on, this extension will provide more time due to changes in the filing process and technical upgrades. The deadline for the payment of self-assessment tax is still July 31, 2025.

Changes in credit card charges

There are updates in credit card terms and charges across major banks:

• SBI credit cards: The free air accident insurance has been discontinued, it was available was available on certain premium cards like SBI Elite, Miles Elite, and Miles Prime while booking flight tickets.
• HDFC Bank: A 1% transaction fee will apply on rent payments and online spends over Rs. 10,000 per transaction. Also, this same 1% fee is applicable on monthly utility bills above Rs. 50,000 or wallet reloads over Rs. 10,000 in one go.
• Insurance payment is the only exception to these charges.

• ICICI Bank: ATM transaction fees have been also revised. First fewer transaction is free at ICICI Bank ATMs and after that, Rs. 23 will be charged per transaction. Users get three free transactions at non-ICIC Bank ATMs in metro cities and five in smaller towns. After this, Rs. 23 will be charged for financial and Rs. 8.5 for non-financial per transaction. It will be charged Rs. 125 per withdrawal for international ATM use, Rs. 25 for balance checks and a 3.5 currency conversion fee will be applicable.
• Axis Bank: Out-of-network ATM withdrawals will now cost Rs. 23 per transaction.

Tatkal train bookings made easier

Indian railways have been upgraded its booking system which will allow 1.5 lakh ticket booking per minute. Also, the chart preparation has been shifted eight hours before train departure instead of the earlier schedule. This change helps the waitlisted passengers by giving them updates regarding their ticket status much easier.

Aadhaar made mandatory for new PAN cards

Also, Aadhaar card is made compulsory for anyone who are applying for a new PAN card. Applicants are also required to submit a valid government-issued ID like a driving license or birth certificate along with Aadhaar card.

For those who already have a PAN card, it must be linked with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, to remain valid.

Extended hours for interbank lending

The time window has been extended for banks to borrow or lend money to each other through the call money market. Prior, It was from 9 AM to 5 PM and now it has changed to 7 PM which gives bank two more hours each day for fund movement.

No more edits in GSTR-3B returns

The GSTR-3B form will be locked once submitted for taxpayers under the GST. The return will be filled by using the data from GSTR-1/1A forms automatically and it cannot be changed afterward.

Changes in online transaction and ATM charges

Charges for IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) transactions have been revised. Now the fee ranges between Rs. 2.5 to Rs. 15 depending on the amount.

Users will also get three free cash transactions every month at cash recycler machines (CRMs). A fee of Rs. 150 per transaction will be charged after that.