Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi (DD)

New Delhi, May 29: In a move that brings considerable relief to individual taxpayers and professionals across the country, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has officially extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) to September 15, 2025.

The extension, announced on Wednesday, comes in response to widespread changes in the ITR forms and the need for additional time to upgrade the system infrastructure. Earlier, the deadline was set for July 31, 2025.

Officials from the Income Tax Department stated that due to structural modifications in the return filing formats, the e-filing portal was not ready to accept submissions starting April 1 as per the usual schedule. With the portal now expected to go live in June 2025, the deadline has been revised to accommodate the delay and ensure a smoother filing experience for taxpayers.

Taxpayers who are unable to file their ITRs by the new deadline of September 15 will still have a chance to submit a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, they will face penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, in addition to interest charges on any pending tax amounts.

Key Highlights:

• New ITR filing start date: June 2025

• Extended ITR deadline: September 15, 2025

• Last date for belated returns: December 31, 2025

• Penalties and interest: Applicable for late filing

The CBDT has advised taxpayers to initiate the filing process early once the portal opens to avoid last-minute hassles, technical glitches, and errors in disclosures. The extension is expected to provide sufficient time for accurate and compliant submissions amid the new structural changes.