BIG NEWS | Income Tax Return Filing Deadline Extended, Today is the Last Chance

The Income Tax Department has extended the last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) by one more day. Hence, the new last date to file ITR is now 16th September 2025, which was previously set as 15th September 2025. Initially, the first due date to file the return was 31st July 2025, which had already been extended earlier.

The Income Tax Department, in an official press release, announced that the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns has been extended by one day to 16th September. This step has been taken for the convenience of taxpayers who were facing technical issues while filing returns on the Income Tax e-filing portal.

The department has also informed that the e-filing portal will undergo necessary updates and maintenance on 16th September from 12:00 midnight to 2:30 AM.

The one-day extension in the deadline has provided slight relief to taxpayers. However, the department has urged everyone to file their income tax returns on time to avoid last-minute technical issues or penalties.

Penalty Provisions

• It is crucial to file your ITR on time to avoid penalties. Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act:
• If the taxpayer has outstanding tax dues and fails to file ITR within the due date, a penalty is imposed.
• For individuals with a total income above ₹5 lakh, a penalty of up to ₹5,000 can be levied for late filing.
• For those with an income below ₹5 lakh, the penalty is ₹1,000.

What Happens If You File ITR Late?

Filing ITR after the due date can lead to several issues:

• Interest on Tax Dues: Under Section 234A, a 1% monthly interest is charged on any unpaid tax amount.
• Delayed Processing: Late returns take longer to process.
• Refund Delays: If you're eligible for a refund, it may be significantly delayed.
• Legal Consequences: Concealing information or providing false data can lead to prosecution under the Income Tax Act. In serious cases, punishment can range from 3 months to 2 years of imprisonment.

With the new deadline now set as 16th September 2025, taxpayers are advised to file their ITR immediately to avoid penalties, interest, and legal complications.