ITR Filing Deadline Extension: Here Is Why Finance Ministry May Not Extend the ITR Due Date

The Finance Ministry, in a reminder, confirmed that the income tax return (ITR) filing due date is September 15, 2025. In the reminder, there was detailed information that the taxpayers across different categories must file their returns. The document dated September 7, 2025, clearly shows that there are chances that the due date of ITR filing may not be further extended.

The original due date for filing the return was July 31, 2025, for non-audit cases. This due date has already been extended until September 15, 2025, giving taxpayers 45 extra days. Which could be the reason why it may not give more extra time to file the return. The reminder also highlighted that the due date for filing ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) was extended to 15 September 2025 to give extra time to the taxpayers to ensure compliance. It also warned that those who fail to meet this deadline will be liable to pay the penalty.

The Finance Ministry, in the document, outlined the importance of the timely filing of ITR. Filing a return on time helps in getting timely refunds and avoids penalties, and also serves as official proof of income for the approval of loans, visas, and other financial requirements.

Many professional bodies and CAs have submitted formal requests to the Finance Minister to extend the due date of ITR filing as well as the due date of the tax audit report filing. They have mentioned the hardships being faced by them, including the technical glitches on the income tax portal, the late release of the utilities, the flood situation in some states, and fewer working days due to the festive season. However, it seems like the government is adhering to the September 15, 2025, deadline for the non-audit taxpayers.

Some experts say that the government may extend the ITR filing due date for certain regions in India that were affected due to the heavy rainfall and flood situation, and other disturbances. However, they say that if the due date is being extended, the government must notify this in advance, as extending it on the due date will not be helpful for the taxpayers.

Therefore, in such a situation, taxpayers must not wait to get the official communication from the government regarding the ITR due date extension. Rather, they should start filing their ITR now, as only 5 days are left to file the ITR. Delay in ITR filing will attract a late filing fee and interest. If a taxpayer is filing a belated return (ITR filed after the due date), they will be liable to pay a late filing fee of Rs 5,000 if their total income is more than Rs 5 lakhs and Rs 1,000 in case the total income is below Rs 5 lakhs.

Additionally, taxpayers cannot opt for the old tax regime if they are filing a belated return. This also means that you will lose the tax exemptions and deductions offered under the old tax regime. Also, if you have any business or capital gain losses, you cannot carry them forward for the future year if you are filing a belated return. Therefore, it is better if you file your ITR at the earliest. If you are still planning to file the ITR on the due date of September 15, then you should avoid doing this, as many taxpayers will be filing their ITR at the same time, which may also slow down the server. So, it is better if you file your ITR now to avoid any penalty.