1 Month Left for ITR Filing AY 2025–26: Check ITR Deadline, Know Penalties, and Last-Minute Options

CBDT Extends E-Filed ITR Deadline

The last date to file income tax returns for the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26) has been extended from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025 for individuals and HUFs who are not required to undergo an audit. This gives 46 extra days to complete filing.

Other Deadlines to Know

• Audit Cases (Sec 44AB): Usually 31 October 2025.
   
• Transfer Pricing (Form 3CEB): Usually 30 November 2025.
   
• Belated/Revised Returns: Allowed till 31 December 2025.
   
• ITR-U (Updated Return): Can be filed between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2030 with extra tax (25–70%).

Penalties and Interest for Delay

• Late Fee (Sec 234F)
  • Income below ₹5 lakh → ₹1,000
  • Income ₹5 lakh or above → ₹5,000
     
• Interest Charges
  • 234A: 1% per month on tax due after the deadline.
  • 234B: 1% per month if less than 90% advance tax paid.
  • 234C: Interest for delay in advance tax instalments.

Options if You Miss 15 September

1. Belated ITR (till 31 Dec 2025): Late fee + interest, and loss carry-forward not allowed.
2. Revised ITR (till 31 Dec 2025): For correcting mistakes in filed returns.
3. ITR-U (till Mar 2030): Limited use for refunds/loss claims, requires extra tax payment.
4. CBDT Condonation: In special cases, you can request deadline relaxation for refunds/reliefs.

Impact on Refunds (Sec 244A)

If you file late, the interest on any tax refund will be calculated from your filing date, not the original due date — reducing the amount you receive.

Read more: ITR Filing 2025: How Can Your Health Insurance Premium Cut Tax Bills?

Things to Keep in Mind When Filing ITR

• Avoid last-minute filing — the e-filing portal may slow down or crash due to heavy traffic near the deadline.
• Keep all documents ready (Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs) to save time.
• File early to ensure accurate data entry and avoid errors that may require a revised return later.
• If you expect a refund, filing sooner helps you receive it faster.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR before 15 September 2025 is the easiest, cheapest, and most beneficial option. Missing the deadline means paying late fees, interest, losing tax benefits, and possibly getting a lower refund. Don’t wait until the last day.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.