As the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) looms, widespread rumours have surfaced about yet another extension. The Income Tax Department has firmly dismissed these as fake and urged taxpayers to stick to the official deadline—September 15, 2025.
What’s the real deadline?
For Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25), the due date to file ITRs was originally July 31, 2025. This was extended once to September 15, 2025, mainly because of major changes in the tax forms and technical updates required on the e-filing utilities and backend systems.
There will be no further extension beyond September 15, the department has made clear. Rumours of moving the deadline to September 30, 2025 or beyond are baseless.
What caused the confusion
Multiple factors have contributed to the confusion:
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Persistent technical glitches reported by users on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Many taxpayers and chartered accountants flagged difficulties downloading Annual Information Statement (AIS), slow response times, or trouble uploading files.
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Circulation of fake notices/messages on social media and messaging platforms claiming the due date has been extended. One such message purported to be issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) stating the deadline is now September 30. The I-T department has asked people to ignore such misleading posts.
What the Income Tax Department has said
In its official communications, including posts on its verified social media accounts, the department has:
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Denied any new extension beyond September 15.
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Asked taxpayers to rely only on their official channels (IncomeTaxIndia handle on X etc.) for authentic updates.
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Reassured that the e-filing portal is functional, and for individuals facing browser or access issues to try clearing cache, switching browsers, or using alternate support routes.
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Offered 24×7 support via helpdesk, live chat, WebEx sessions, etc., to help with filing, tax payments, and related issues.
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What happens if you miss the deadline?
While the deadline stands firm, there are provisions for late filing—but with consequences:
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Penalties under Section 234F: ₹5,000 for incomes above ₹5 lakh; ₹1,000 for lower incomes.
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Interest under Section 234A charged on any unpaid tax from the due date until payment is made.
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Possible loss of ability to carry forward certain losses or deductions. Refund delays.
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However, belated or revised returns are allowed to be filed until December 31, 2025, and ITR-U (updated returns) are accepted until March 31, 2030.
What taxpayers should do now
Given this, here are steps for those who haven’t filed yet:
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Don’t believe rumours. Trust only official announcements from the department.
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If portal issues arise—try non-peak hours, switch browser/device, clear cache.
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File the correct ITR form for your situation, fill in correct data, verify PAN, etc.
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Once filed, e-verify your return within 30 days to complete the process.
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If needed, use helplines provided by the department.
Why this matters
Missing the cutoff can carry financial consequences and stress. Given the many changes to ITR formats this year, the department’s one-time extension to September 15 was to give taxpayers more time. But repeatedly extending deadlines can cause administrative complications and undermine clarity.
Tax compliance is growing — over 7 crore ITRs have already been filed for AY 2025-26 as per recent data.
In conclusion, while the temptation to hope for another extension is understandable, the Income Tax Department has made it clear: no further extension beyond September 15, 2025. Taxpayers should act now, not later, to avoid penalties or complications.
