Tax season is here and deadlines have changed. For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the last date for filing Income Tax Returns for individuals to 15 September 2025. If you miss this deadline, you can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) until 31 December 2025, although late fees and interest will apply. The extension was announced in CBDT Circular No. 06/2025 dated 27 May 2025.
ITR Deadlines at a Glance
| Event | Section | Due Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original due date | Sec 139(1) | 31-Jul-25 | For individuals not requiring audit |
| Extended due date | CBDT Circular 06/2025 | 15-Sep-25 | Due to ITR form changes and portal readiness |
| Belated return | Sec 139(4) | 31-Dec-25 | Subject to late fee (Sec 234F) and interest (Sec 234A) |
Why the Extension Was Granted
The CBDT extended the filing date for several practical reasons:
- ITR forms (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4) were revised and required time for implementation.
- The e-filing portal needed additional time to update and stabilise.
- Taxpayers and the portal experienced mismatches in Form 26AS (TRACES), the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS), which needed resolution.
What if you miss 15 September?
- Belated filing window: You can file until 31 December 2025 under Section 139(4).
- Late fee (Sec 234F): Up to ₹5,000 (reduced to ₹1,000 where total income does not exceed ₹5 lakh).
- Interest (Sec 234A): 1% per month or part of a month on the tax remaining unpaid.
- Refunds: Processing of refunds for belated returns may take longer than for returns filed within the extended deadline.
Refund Interest Benefit (Sec 244A)
Because the filing deadline was extended, many taxpayers may receive higher refund interest under Section 244A. The extended period can increase refund interest by roughly one-third for some filers. Note that refund interest is treated as taxable income when received.
Income Tax Slabs for AY 2025-26 (u/s 115BAC – New Default Regime)
From AY 2025-26, the new tax regime under Section 115BAC is the default option. Taxpayers can still choose the old regime when filing their returns.
| Income Slab | New Regime (Default) | Old Regime |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – ₹3,00,000 | Nil | Nil |
| ₹3,00,001 – ₹6,00,000 | 5% | 5% |
| ₹6,00,001 – ₹9,00,000 | 10% | 20% |
| ₹9,00,001 – ₹12,00,000 | 15% | 30% |
| ₹12,00,001 – ₹15,00,000 | 20% | 30% |
| Above ₹15,00,000 | 30% | 30% |
- Standard deduction: ₹75,000 under the new regime and ₹50,000 under the old regime.
- Rebate under Section 87A: Available up to ₹7 lakh under the new regime and up to ₹5 lakh under the old regime where applicable.
Income on Salary – Example
To illustrate the difference, consider a salary of ₹10 lakh in AY 2025-26:
- New regime: After a standard deduction of ₹75,000, taxable income is ₹9.25 lakh. Approximate tax liability in the new slabs would be around ₹62,500 (before cess and other adjustments).
- Old regime: After a standard deduction of ₹50,000, taxable income is ₹9.5 lakh. Approximate tax liability could be around ₹1,12,500 before allowances like HRA or deductions under sections such as 80C/80D.
This example demonstrates why many salaried taxpayers may find the new regime more attractive as the default option.
For Salaried Employees (Form 16 Users)
- Employers provide Form 16, which details TDS deducted on salary.
- Before filing, cross-check the details in Form 16 with Form 26AS, AIS and TIS to avoid mismatches.
- Salaried taxpayers who do not require audit should follow the extended 15 September 2025 deadline.
Latest on Extensions
- The CBDT issued a formal extension once, moving the due date to 15 September 2025.
- As of early September 2025, no further extension had been officially announced.
- Industry bodies requested additional relief due to portal issues, but no new extension was confirmed by the CBDT at that time.
Filing your ITR on time reduces the risk of penalties and helps ensure faster refunds. If you need more time, plan for the belated filing window and be prepared for applicable fees and interest. Keep your documents organised, reconcile TDS and AIS entries, and choose the tax regime that best fits your financial situation.
FAQs on ITR Filing Date FY 2024-25
1. What is the last date for filing income tax return in India for AY 2025-26?
For individuals not requiring audit, the extended last date is 15 September 2025, moved from the original 31 July 2025.
2. Can I still file after 15 September?
Yes. You may file a belated return under Section 139(4) until 31 December 2025; late fee and interest will apply.
3. Is the new tax regime mandatory?
The new regime under Section 115BAC is the default for AY 2025-26, but taxpayers can opt for the old regime when filing their returns.
4. Will refund interest be higher this year?
Due to the extension, some taxpayers may receive higher refund interest under Section 244A. Keep in mind that refund interest is taxable income.