ITR filing due date extended to September 16: Why did Income Tax department grant an extra day for tax returns filing? What we know
ITR filing FY 2024-25 due date extended: Amid a record surge in Income Tax Return (ITR) filings, the government has extended the deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26 by a day, pushing it to September 16, 2025.The move came, even as the number of filed returns crossed 7.3 crore by 15 September, the highest ever. However, many taxpayers reported income tax portal access issues as the cutoff approached.
Why was ITR filing deadline extended?
The due date for Assessment Year 2025-26 had originally been 31 July 2025, but was shifted to 15 September because revisions in ITR forms required back-end changes in April–May.With the 15 September cut-off approaching, many taxpayers reported difficulty accessing the e-filing portal and completing payments.It seems that with several users reporting glitches, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chose to grant a one-day extension till 16 September to facilitate further filings of ITRsTo enable utility changes, the portal was placed under maintenance between 12 am and 2:30 am on 16 September, the department announced.India saw a record number of taxpayers rushing to meet the ITR filing deadline this year. The Income Tax department said on X that over 7.3 crore returns had been filed by 15 September 2025, surpassing last year’s 7.28 crore.“We sincerely thank taxpayers & professionals for their timely compliance,” the department posted just after midnight on 16 September.The surge came after weeks of reminders, with the department earlier noting on 15 September that “more than 7 crore ITRs have been filed so far and still counting!” while urging those yet to file not to delay.
ITR filing: Taxpayers flag portal glitches
Earlier, several users took to social media complaining of errors while uploading returns or making advance tax payments. The department acknowledged the issues, but clarified that many problems were linked to local browser or device settings rather than a system-wide outage. It issued step-by-step advisories, including clearing cache, using updated browsers, or switching to incognito mode.
What happens if you miss ITR deadline?
For those still unable to file by 16 September, a belated return can be submitted until 31 December 2025. However, this attracts late fees under Section 234F — Rs 1,000 for income up to Rs 5 lakh and Rs 5,000 for higher incomes. Delays also trigger higher interest liabilities in case of outstanding tax dues and limit the ability to carry forward certain losses.
