The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 to September 15, 2025, offering taxpayers a longer window to complete their submissions.
Why the Deadline Was Extended
The usual due date for filing ITR is July 31. However, this year, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced an extension, pushing the deadline by over a month to September 15, 2025.
This decision, stated on May 27, 2025, aims to provide more time for taxpayers. The CBDT cited significant revisions in ITR forms, ongoing system development needs, and the reflection of TDS credits as key reasons for the extension.
The goal is to ensure a smoother and more accurate filing experience for everyone involved. Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed are encouraged to use this extra time and complete the process without delay.
Getting Started: Navigating the E-Filing Portal
To begin filing your ITR online, you must first log in to the e-filing portal. You’ll need your User ID and password to access your account.
It’s crucial that your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is active and linked with your Aadhaar for a hassle-free experience. Once logged in, navigate to the “e-file” section, then “Income Tax Returns,” and finally “File Income Tax Return.”
When prompted, select “2024-25” as the assessment year and choose “online” as your mode of filing. If you have a pending return, you can click “Resume Filing”; otherwise, select “New Filing.”
Your Step-by-Step Filing Guide
Next, you’ll need to select your filing status, whether you are an Individual, HUF (Hindu Undivided Family), or Others. After choosing your applicable status, click “Continue” to proceed.
The system will then ask you to select the appropriate ITR form for your situation. Once selected, take note of the list of documents required for your filing and click “Let’s Get Started.”
You will also need to select the reason applicable to you for filing your ITR. Be sure to fill this out accurately before continuing.
Understanding Tax Regimes: New vs. Old
For Assessment Year 2025-26, the New Tax Regime is the default option. This means that if you wish to file your return under the Old Tax Regime, you will need to specifically opt out.
In the Personal Information section, you will see a question asking if you want to opt out of the New Tax Regime. If you prefer the Old Tax Regime, you must select “Yes.” Otherwise, “No” will be auto-selected.
Carefully enter and edit your income details and total deductions in the various sections of the form. After completing and confirming all sections, click “Proceed.”
Payment, Preview, and Verification
If you have a tax liability, click “Pay Now” to be redirected to the e-pay Tax service. A success message will be displayed after successful payment, and you can then click “Back to Return Filing” to complete the process.
If you have no tax liability or are eligible for a refund, you can directly click “Preview Return.” This will take you to the “Preview and Submit Your Return” page.
On this page, select the declaration checkbox and then click “Proceed to Validation.” Once internal validations are successful, click “Preview of Return” and proceed to verification. On the “Complete your Verification” page, choose your preferred e-Verify option and click “Continue” to finalize your return.
- The ITR filing deadline for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) has been extended to September 15, 2025.
- This extension is to accommodate ITR form revisions, system development, and TDS credit reflections.
- The New Tax Regime is now the default; taxpayers must opt-in for the Old Tax Regime in the personal information section.
- Always e-Verify your return after submission to complete the filing process successfully.
Make sure to utilize this extended period wisely to ensure a smooth and accurate filing of your income tax return.
