ITR Deadline Approaches: Over 1 Crore Tax Filings Expected on Last Day
As the extended deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 ends on September 15, 2025, there is a rush of taxpayers filing their returns. More than 6.29 crore ITRs have already been filed, but reports suggest that a staggering over 1 crore filings are anticipated on the final day itself.
The Tax Department has seen a steady increase in return filings year-after-year—6.77 crore ITRs in AY 2023-24, 5.82 crore in AY 2022-23, and 5.77 crore in AY 2021-22—highlighting growing tax compliance and awareness across India.
Deadline Clashes Raise Challenges for Taxpayers and Professionals
This year, September 15 also marks the due date for the second installment of advance tax, adding to the pressure faced by taxpayers and chartered accountants alike. Many experts have voiced concerns about the stress caused by multiple simultaneous deadlines on both the taxpayers and tax professionals.
System Stability and Official Clarifications
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) officials have assured users that the IT e-filing portal remains stable. Most issues reported—like slow response times or failures—are attributed to browser-related glitches on the user side rather than backend faults.
The portal even managed to process a record 70 lakh returns in a single day last year, reflecting its growing capability to accommodate massive filing volumes.
In a crucial update, Income Tax Department debunked rumors circulating on social media claiming an extension of the ITR deadline. The final date to file ITRs for AY 2025-26 remains September 15, 2025, with no extensions granted.
24×7 Helpdesk Assistance for Taxpayers
To support last-minute filers, the department has deployed a round-the-clock helpdesk, providing assistance via calls, live chat, WebEx sessions, and Twitter/X support. This initiative aims to guide taxpayers through the process, make tax payments, and resolve common issues swiftly.
Important Details for Taxpayers
Penalties for Late Filing
-
If returns are filed after September 15 but before December 31, 2025, a penalty of ₹5,000 applies for incomes above ₹5,00,000; ₹1,000 otherwise.
-
Interest of 1% per month is charged on any unpaid taxes from the original due date to the filing date.
-
Late filing disallows carrying forward most losses except for house property losses.
Filing Process Made Easy
Steps to file ITR include:
-
Logging in on the official Income Tax e-filing portal with PAN and password
-
Selecting the correct AY (2025-26) and applicable ITR form
-
Verifying pre-filled information and entering income details
-
Paying any due tax and submitting the return online
-
E-verifying the return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other methods
Key Taxpayer Categories and Due Dates
-
Individuals, HUFs, and entities not required to audit: September 15, 2025
-
Taxpayers requiring audits: October 31, 2025
-
Transfer pricing report filers: November 30, 2025
-
Revised or belated returns: December 31, 2025