New Delhi: The clock is ticking for taxpayers across India. September 15, 2025, marks the final day to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. For lakhs of individuals, today is not just another date on the calendar—it’s the last chance to stay compliant and avoid heavy penalties.
The Income Tax Department has made it clear: there will be no extension this time. Officials say that most taxpayers had sufficient time to prepare, as filing started months ago. Even so, millions are expected to log in today to meet the deadline, creating the usual last-minute rush on the tax portal.
Why the Deadline Matters
In India, timely filing of income tax returns is more than a legal requirement—it ensures smoother processing of refunds, easier loan approvals, and clean financial records. Missing the deadline means not just penalties but also delayed refunds and potential scrutiny in the future.
Last year, over 7 crore returns were filed, a record number that showed growing compliance. This year, the department has already processed more than 6 crore ITRs. The momentum is strong, but many taxpayers still find themselves procrastinating until the very last hour.
The Extension and Its Purpose
Originally, July 31 was the cutoff date. However, due to changes in ITR forms and technical tweaks in the filing process, the government extended the deadline to September 15. This extra window was meant to reduce confusion and give people time to adjust.
But the extension also created a false sense of security. Many assumed another push would follow. Tax experts warn that this belief could cost taxpayers dearly—this time the department has stuck firmly to its word: today is the absolute last day.
Documents You Should Keep Ready
To file smoothly, certain documents are essential:
- Form 16: For salaried employees, summarising salary and tax deducted.
- Annual Information Statement (AIS): A detailed record of income, TDS, TCS, and interest earned.
- Investment Proofs: Receipts for deductions under sections like 80C or 80D.
- Bank Statements: To cross-check interest income and transactions.
- Rent Receipts: If you are claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA).
Tax consultants remind people that although these documents don’t need to be uploaded, they should be kept handy for accuracy and possible future verification.
Step-by-Step Guide to File Your ITR
- Log in to the Portal
- Go to incometax.gov.in and sign in with your PAN number and password.
- Select the Assessment Year
- Choose AY 2025-26 and specify the type of taxpayer—Individual, HUF, or business.
- Pick the Right ITR Form
- ITR-1 (SAHAJ): For individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh, no foreign assets.
- ITR-2: For those with capital gains or income from multiple sources.
- ITR-3: For professionals or business owners.
- ITR-4 (SUGAM): For presumptive income up to ₹50 lakh.
- Fill in Your Income Details
- Enter salary, interest, rental income, or business profits. Match these with your Form 26AS or AIS to avoid mismatch notices.
- Claim Deductions
- Add deductions like investments in PPF, LIC premiums, health insurance, education loans, or donations.
- Preview and Submit
- Check all numbers carefully before submitting. Even a small mistake can trigger notices.
- E-Verify the Return
- Use Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or send the signed ITR-V form by post to the Central Processing Centre, Bengaluru, within 30 days.
Once e-verified, you will receive a confirmation email with an acknowledgement number. This ensures your filing is complete.
Risks of Missing the Deadline
Failure to file today means inviting multiple complications:
- Late Fee: A penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
- Interest: Additional interest on unpaid tax.
- Refund Delays: Tax refunds will not be processed quickly.
- Scrutiny: The department may issue notices if income is left unreported.
Taxpayers also lose certain benefits, such as carrying forward losses from stock trading or business, if the return is filed late.
After Filing – What Next?
For those who manage to file on time, the process does not end with submission. E-verification is crucial. Without it, the ITR is considered incomplete.
After verification, the return is processed by the Central Processing Centre. Refunds, if any, are credited directly to the taxpayer’s bank account. Experts advise keeping bank details updated and linking PAN with Aadhaar to avoid hiccups.
Voices from the Ground
Speaking to a Delhi-based tax advisor, he explained: “Every year people wait till the last moment. The portal gets heavy traffic and sometimes slows down, but most manage if they try before 9 pm. The real issue is taxpayers leaving documents unprepared.”
A Mumbai-based salaried employee echoed the same: “I kept putting it off, thinking there would be another extension. Now I’m rushing to finish everything before midnight.”
Outlook Ahead
The tax department is clearly pushing for digital compliance. With live chat support, social media updates, and help desks, officials are trying to make filing easier. But at the same time, the strict stance on deadlines indicates that leniency is shrinking.
Going forward, taxpayers may see even more simplified forms and automated filing, but they should also expect stricter monitoring. The lesson is clear—don’t wait until the last minute.
Conclusion
September 15, 2025, is not just a date—it’s the line between compliance and penalty. Filing your ITR today ensures peace of mind, avoids unnecessary fines, and secures faster refunds. For anyone still undecided, the best advice is simple: log in, file, and verify before midnight.
Because once the deadline passes, excuses won’t matter—only penalties will.