IRS Extends Tax Return Filing Deadline for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to September 15, 2025, from July 31st.
Extension of ITR Filing Deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced an extension of the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. The new deadline for non-audit taxpayers, including salaried individuals, is now 15th September 2025, extended from the original due date of 31st July 2025 [1][2][3].
The decision to extend the ITR filing deadline was made in light of the extensive changes being implemented in the ITR forms. These changes aim to simplify compliance, improve transparency, and ensure more accurate reporting [4]. The extension is intended to provide sufficient time for taxpayers to adapt to the revised ITR formats and utilize the updated filing systems [1][2][3].
The extension is also intended to address concerns raised by stakeholders about the tight timelines for ITR filing. Delays in the availability of updated ITR forms and e-filing utilities on the Income Tax Department's portal, as well as late reflection of TDS data in Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS), made it difficult for taxpayers to file accurate returns by the original deadline [2][3].
For companies, the deadlines differ slightly. Domestic companies must file by 31st October 2025, while those with international or specified domestic transactions requiring Form 3CEB must file by 30th November 2025 [1]. It's important to note that payment of any self-assessment tax still must be completed by 31st July 2025 to avoid interest liability. Returns filed after 15th September will incur penalties and interest, but belated or revised returns can be submitted until 31st December 2025, and updated returns (ITR-U) until 31st March 2030 [3].
This extension is the first significant one in recent years following the COVID-19 related extensions given for AY 2020-21 and AY 2021-22 [2]. The CBDT has emphasized that the extension aims to provide a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers [2][3]. A formal notification regarding this decision will be issued separately.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi recently visited Bhuj and emphasized Kutch's rising role in tourism. However, no new facts about the ITR filing extension or the Prime Minister's visit to Bhuj were mentioned in these paragraphs.
[1] Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Press Release
[2] Business Standard Article
[3] Financial Express Article
[4] Economic Times Article
- The extension of the Income Tax Returns (ITR) filing deadline for the Assessment Year 2025-26 could be a significant aid for individuals managing their personal-finance, as it provides them with additional time to adapt to the revised ITR formats.
- A smooth and convenient filing experience is the aim of the CBDT, extending the ITR deadline for non-audit taxpayers, which includes salaried individuals, as part of an effort to simplify personal-finance compliance and reporting.
