ITR Filing for FY 2024-25: Deadline, Extension Updates & Late Filing Penalties
An annual compliance deemed indispensable for an Indian taxpayer is the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing. Apart from helping a person remain on the right side of the law, it also comes handy in situations like the application for a loan, applying for a visa, or showing income proof. The government has, however, decided to provide relief to certain taxpayers by extending the deadline for filing of Income Tax Returns for the FY 2024-25.
Extended ITR Filing Deadline for AY 2025-26
Normally, the deadline for filing ITRs for non-audit cases is 31 July of the assessment year. However, for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 (corresponding to FY 2024-25), the Income Tax Department has extended the due date to 15 September 2025.
This extension was provided because new ITR forms and filing utilities were notified later than usual, leaving taxpayers and professionals with less preparation time. By offering additional time, the government aims to ensure smoother filing, fewer errors, and better compliance.
👉 Who benefits from this extension?
The extension primarily covers non-audit cases — individuals and entities not required to get their accounts audited. Examples include:
- Salaried employees who only have salary income, savings interest, or capital gains.
- HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) earning income below the audit threshold.
- Professionals and small businesses opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE, provided their turnover or gross receipts are within prescribed limits.
This means the majority of ordinary taxpayers fall within this extended timeline.
Will the Deadline Be Extended Again?
One of the most common questions around ITR season is whether the government will further extend the deadline. While extensions have been granted in previous years (especially during the pandemic and due to technical glitches), there is no official indication so far that the 15 September 2025 deadline will be pushed further.
Tax professionals suggest not relying on possible extensions. The closer it gets to the deadline, the higher the risk of portal slowdowns, server errors, and last-minute filing stress. Filing early ensures that:
- You can rectify mistakes in case of mismatch with Form 26AS or AIS/TIS (Annual Information Statements).
- Refunds, if any, get processed much faster.
- You avoid unnecessary penalties, late fees, and interest charges.
So, even though an extension has been granted once, taxpayers should treat 15 September 2025 as the final cut-off.
Penalties for Missing the Due Date
Filing after the due date doesn’t just mean inconvenience — it directly impacts your finances. The Income Tax Act has provisions under Section 234F for levying penalties, and Section 234A for charging interest on unpaid taxes.
Here’s what you need to know:
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Late filing fee (Section 234F):
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₹5,000 if you file after the deadline but before 31 December 2025.
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Capped at ₹1,000 if your total income is below ₹5 lakh.
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Interest on unpaid tax (Section 234A):
If you still owe tax at the time of filing, you will be charged 1% per month or part thereof on the outstanding tax amount until it is paid. -
Loss of certain benefits:
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If you miss the deadline, you cannot carry forward certain losses like business loss or capital loss to offset against future income.
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Delayed refunds also mean losing out on interest on refunds, which can otherwise add up to a substantial amount.
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In short, the cost of late filing is more than just the ₹1,000 or ₹5,000 penalty — it can impact your long-term tax planning and cash flow.
Why Filing Early is Always Better
Even though the deadline has been pushed to mid-September, experts strongly recommend filing as soon as possible. Here’s why early filing makes sense:
- Avoid system rush – In the last 10 days before the deadline, the e-filing portal experiences heavy traffic, leading to login issues and failed submissions.
- More time to correct errors – Filing early gives you a chance to revise returns if you make a mistake.
- Speedy refunds – The sooner you file, the faster your refund gets credited to your bank account.
- Peace of mind – You won’t have to stress about deadlines, extensions, or last-minute document collection.
Key Takeaway
- The ITR filing due date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) for non-audit cases is 15 September 2025.
- Further extension is unlikely, so taxpayers should not wait until the last moment.
- Filing late can lead to penalties up to ₹5,000, additional interest on unpaid taxes, and loss of tax benefits.
- Early filing ensures faster refunds, fewer errors, and stress-free compliance.