Introduction: Why This Matters for Every Taxpayer
Every year, the buzz around Income Tax Return (ITR) filing starts building well before the due date, and with good reason. Filing your ITR isn’t just a legal formality in India; it’s a crucial financial milestone that helps establish your income record, claim refunds, and maintain compliance with the tax department. Whether you’re a salaried professional, a freelancer, or a small business owner, timely filing protects you from penalties, interest, and future scrutiny.
But this year, things are different.
For the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), several key changes have shifted the tax calendar for millions of Indian taxpayers. From revised ITR forms to system overhauls and an official extension of the deadline, this is not your usual tax season.
So what changed?
- The start date for filing was delayed beyond its usual April kick-off.
- The forms themselves have been structurally updated for better transparency and simplification.
- And most importantly, the government has extended the ITR filing deadline, giving taxpayers more breathing room, but also more reason to pay attention.
Let’s break it all down.
When Did ITR Filing Start for FY 2024-25?
The official ITR filing for FY 2024-25 began on 30th May 2025, a full two months later than the traditional start date of April 1st.
This delay raised eyebrows, but it wasn’t arbitrary.
Historically, the Income Tax Department opens up the ITR filing portal on April 1st, allowing early filers, especially salaried individuals, to get a head start. But in 2025, that familiar rhythm was disrupted by a set of necessary system upgrades and revamped ITR forms.
The delay was mainly due to:
- Structural updates in ITR-1 and ITR-4: These forms were revised to improve user experience, incorporate new income reporting sections, and enable better cross-verification.
- Backend system upgrades: The e-filing infrastructure needed enhancements to handle the new formats, integrate TDS/TCS credits effectively, and support a seamless filing experience.
- Alignment with TDS statement deadlines: Since TDS returns were due by 31st May 2025, the government waited until credit data started reflecting in June to avoid discrepancies in pre-filled data.
By releasing the updated Excel utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on 30th May, the Income Tax Department ensured that only compliant, accurate returns could be filed, reducing the risk of errors and notices.
Key ITR Filing Dates (FY 2024-25 / AY 2025-26)
Mark your calendars, Income Tax Return filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is already underway, and the deadlines vary depending on your taxpayer category. Here’s a snapshot of the key dates:
Event | Date |
Start of ITR Filing (ITR-1 & ITR-4) | 30th May 2025 |
Original Due Date for Non-Audit Taxpayers | 31st July 2025 |
Extended Due Date (Non-Audit Taxpayers) | 15th September 2025 |
Due Date for Audit Cases | 31st October 2025 |
Due Date for Transfer Pricing Audit Cases | 30th November 2025 |
Last Date for Belated or Revised Returns | 31st December 2025 |
Who Does the Extended Deadline Apply To?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline from 31st July to 15th September 2025 for most individuals, including:
- Salaried employees
- Freelancers and professionals are not subject to audit
- Small businesses with no audit requirement
This extension gives non-audit taxpayers valuable extra time to gather documents, reconcile TDS statements, and file accurately, without attracting late fees or penalties.
Why Was the Deadline Extended This Year?
This year’s extension isn’t just a goodwill gesture, it’s the result of major backend and policy updates designed to improve the overall tax filing process.
🧾 Revised ITR Forms for AY 2025-26
The ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms for AY 2025-26 have undergone significant revisions. These changes were introduced to:
- Simplify reporting requirements
- Encourage more accurate income disclosures
- Integrate better with pre-filled data sources such as AIS (Annual Information Statement)
These enhancements demanded time to align the digital systems, validate new formats, and train the processing infrastructure.
🔧 System Updates and TDS Statement Integration
The Income Tax Department delayed filing until May 30th to allow time for:
- Developing and testing new Excel utilities and JSON schema
- Ensuring the e-filing portal could handle the revised form logic
- Allowing TDS credits for FY 2024-25 to reflect, which typically begin populating only after the statutory TDS filing deadline of 31st May
Launching ITR filing before TDS data syncs would’ve risked mismatch errors and filing delays for lakhs of taxpayers.
🏛️ Government’s Rationale: Better Compliance, Less Stress
According to official communications, the extension is intended to:
- Promote smoother tax compliance
- Reduce filing pressure during the early months
- Minimize the chances of defective returns or corrections
The government has taken a pragmatic, taxpayer-friendly approach, balancing technological readiness with filing convenience.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) after the due date can lead to several financial and legal consequences, even if your taxable income is below the exemption limit or no tax is payable. Here’s what you need to know if you miss the deadline for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26):
1. Late Filing Fees (Section 234F)
- A penalty of up to ₹5,000 can be levied if you file your return after the due date but before 31st December 2025.
- If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the late fee is restricted to ₹1,000.
2. Interest on Tax Due (Section 234A)
- If you have any unpaid tax liability, an interest of 1% per month (or part thereof) is charged on the outstanding amount until the date of filing.
- This applies even if you’re just a few days late beyond the 15th September 2025 extended deadline.
3. Loss of Carry Forward Benefits
- Taxpayers who have incurred capital losses or business/professional losses may lose the right to carry them forward to future years if the return is not filed on time.
4. Belated Return Still Possible Until 31st December 2025
- You can still file a belated return after the deadline, up to 31st December 2025, but with applicable penalties and interest.
- Note that belated returns cannot be revised beyond the same 31st December deadline, reducing the opportunity to correct errors.
Expert Tip: File Early to Avoid Penalties
Filing your Income Tax Return well before the deadline offers several important advantages. Early filing helps you steer clear of last-minute rushes and potential penalties, ensuring peace of mind and smoother compliance.
- Benefits of Early Filing: Submitting your return early reduces the risk of missing deadlines, lowers the chances of errors, and can speed up the processing of your return. Early filers often receive faster refunds and can better manage any tax dues well ahead of time.
- Common Errors to Avoid: Ensure all personal details, income figures, and tax credits are correctly entered. Mistakes like mismatched PAN details, overlooked TDS credits, or incorrect bank information can delay refunds or trigger notices from the tax department.
- How Early Filing Helps with Faster Refunds: The Income Tax Department processes returns on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing early means your return is likely to be processed sooner, resulting in quicker refunds credited directly to your bank account.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead, Stay Compliant
ITR filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is a vital task with deadlines extended this year to ease the process for taxpayers. The key is to stay informed, prepare your documents early, and file your return well before the due date.
Starting early helps avoid penalties, reduces stress, and speeds up refund processing. Remember, platforms like ReturnFile.in are here to assist you through every step, whether you need expert guidance, hassle-free filing, or support with complex returns.
Don’t wait for the last minute. Stay ahead, stay compliant, and secure your financial peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did ITR filing start for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
ITR filing for FY 2024-25 officially began on 30th May 2025 for taxpayers using ITR-1 and ITR-4. The Income Tax Department released the Excel utilities on this date, enabling eligible taxpayers to begin filing.
Q2. What is the last date to file ITR for salaried individuals for FY 2024-25?
The extended deadline for salaried taxpayers and others not requiring an audit is 15th September 2025, as per the CBDT notification. The original deadline was 31st July 2025.
Q3. Why was the ITR filing deadline extended this year?
The deadline was extended due to changes in ITR forms, system upgrades, and delays in the reflection of TDS credits. This allowed more time for both taxpayers and professionals to adapt and comply smoothly.
Q4. What happens if I miss the ITR filing deadline?
If you miss the 15th September 2025 deadline, you can still file a belated return by 31st December 2025. However, late filing fees of up to ₹5,000 may apply under Section 234F, along with possible interest on dues.
Q5. Can I file my ITR myself, or do I need expert help?
Yes, you can file your ITR online via the Income Tax e-filing portal. However, for accurate filing, especially if your income includes capital gains, business income, or multiple sources, it’s best to seek help from tax experts or use trusted platforms like ReturnFile.in.
