ITR Deadline Extended Till Today, Relief for Taxpayers
The Income Tax Department has given taxpayers one more chance. The deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) has been extended till today, September 16, 2025. The announcement, made late on Monday night, sparked a wave of relief for lakhs of individuals and businesses who were racing against the clock to complete their filings.
For weeks, taxpayers had been worried about long queues at facilitation centers and technical glitches on the e-filing portal. Many had requested the government to consider an extension, arguing that last-minute pressure was creating unnecessary panic. With the fresh move, people now have a few more crucial hours to complete the process.
Why the Government Decided to Extend the Date
According to officials, the extension was aimed at ensuring compliance rather than penalizing citizens. “We noticed a heavy surge in portal activity in the last two days. Extending the deadline was necessary to prevent system overload and to give genuine taxpayers a chance to complete their filings,” a senior finance ministry source said.
This is not the first time the government has allowed extra time. In recent years, extensions have become somewhat common, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed filing deadlines multiple times. While critics argue that frequent extensions encourage procrastination, many believe it is a practical step to support taxpayers who face real difficulties in meeting the rigid timelines.
Last-Minute Filing Rush and Common Challenges
A large number of taxpayers typically wait until the final week to begin the process. That habit often results in server crashes and incomplete filings. Some complain about the confusing nature of income categories, while others face difficulties in uploading documents. Chartered accountants also face the brunt, often working overnight to meet client deadlines.
This year, salaried employees expressed frustration over Form 16 delays, while freelancers and small business owners pointed to issues in reconciling advance tax payments. On social media, users shared screenshots of error messages from the government portal. “I was logged in for two hours but couldn’t proceed to payment,” one user posted.
Experts’ Take on the Extension
Tax professionals say the extension was inevitable. Ramesh Gupta, a Delhi-based chartered accountant, explained: “Every year we see the same story. People wait until the last 48 hours, and the system gets clogged. This year was no different. The government did the right thing by extending the deadline. It ensures better compliance and avoids unnecessary penalties.”
Some financial advisors also see the move as taxpayer-friendly. They believe it builds trust between citizens and the system. However, they warn that people should not misuse the grace period. “An extension is not a license to delay indefinitely. If you wait until the last minute again, you may still face technical hiccups,” said Mumbai-based tax consultant Neha Sharma.
What Happens If You Still Miss the Deadline?
Even with the extension, some taxpayers might fail to file today. The consequences could be serious. Under the law, late filing attracts penalties ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on income slabs. In addition, delayed filings could affect loan approvals, visa applications, and other financial transactions where income proof is required.
There is also the issue of interest on unpaid taxes. The longer a taxpayer delays, the more it adds up. For high-income earners, the financial impact could be significant. Experts therefore urge everyone to use this final opportunity to file on time.
Final Reminder for Taxpayers
As the clock ticks, the message is clear: don’t wait until the last minute today. Ensure your documents are ready, double-check your details, and complete the submission before midnight. The government has made it clear that there will be no further extensions.
For many, the relief is real. “I had almost given up hope of meeting the deadline. This announcement saved me,” said Anjali Mehta, a small business owner from Pune. Like her, thousands across the country now have a chance to breathe eas at least for a day.
The takeaway is simple. Filing taxes is not just about meeting deadlines; it is about financial discipline. The government’s last-minute extension might be the nudge people need to take the process seriously in the future. Whether taxpayers will learn from this experience remains to be seen, but for now, the door is open until the end of the day.