ITR filing: Will the deadline to file income tax returns be extended this year?

With the commencement of the month of September, taxpayers across the length and breath of the country are rushing to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR). However, speculations abound whether there will be another extension of the deadline for ITR filing.

When is the ITR deadline?

Earlier in the year, the Income Tax Department announced that the due date to file ITR for Assessment Year 2025-26 has been extended to September 15, 2025, from July 31, 2025 due to the “extensive changes introduced in the notified ITRs and considering the time required for system readiness and rollout of ITR utilities for AY25-26".

If one misses the due date, they can file a belated return by Wednesday, 31 December 2025, with penalties and interest.

Why will the deadline not be extended?

Avinash Polepally, Business Head at ClearTax told The Mint that an extension for ITR is unlikely this year since there has been no announcement  from the department. Hence, taxpayers should aim to file their ITRs by September 15.

An increase in filings earlier

With the release of ITR 1 form in June this year, there has been an increase in filings much earlier as compared to last year according to The Mint.

Usually ITR 1 filers wait until the deadline is closer to file the forms. However, this year due to the longer availability of forms, there has been an acceleration in the filing process.

Chartered Accountants call for extension of filing deadline

According to upstox, Chartered Accountants are calling for an extension to file ITR. According to them, severe disruptions were caused by late utility releases, heavy rainfall, and clashing deadlines for Income Tax Returns (ITR) and tax audits.