ITR Filing Deadline: No Extension Beyond September 15- Know the Reasons & Key Rules

Business News: If you have not yet filed your Income Tax Return (ITR), then now you have time only till September 15, 2025. The Finance Ministry has made it clear that this time the deadline for ITR filing will not be extended. Earlier, the government had given additional time from 31 July to 15 September, giving relief to the taxpayers. The ministry says that this 45-day extension is sufficient time and there will be no further change.

Why will the ITR filing date not be extended

The Finance Ministry has taken a tough stand this time. According to the government, these are the main reasons behind filing returns on time:

• 45 days extension has already been given—Taxpayers have had enough time.
• Technical problems of the portal resolved—the Income Tax Portal is now working smoothly.
• Goal of timely tax collection—The government wants to maintain financial discipline.

ITR filing status so far

According to the latest data released by the Income Tax Department:

• More than 5 crore returns have been filed.
• 4.7 crore ITRs have been verified.
• 3.4 crore returns have been processed.

These figures show that the trend of digital tax filing has increased rapidly this year.

Penalty & interest for late filing of ITR

If you file ITR after September 15, you will have to pay a late fee and interest:

Late Fee:

• If the total income is up to ₹ 5 lak, the penalty isy up to ₹ 1,000.
• If the total income is more than ₹ 5 lakh, the penalty is up to ₹ 5,000.

Interest on outstanding tax:

• Interest of 1% per month will have to be paid.

Benefits of filing ITR on time

• Avoiding penalty and interest.
• Tax refund is received quickly.
• Financial records are strengthened, which is helpful in:
• Loan approval
• Visa application
• Other important financial transactions.

Final warning

The government has made it clear that September 15 is the last date, after which no extension will be given. So taxpayers should file their ITR now to avoid congestion on the portal, technical problems and additional charges. Filing ITR on time not only avoids penalties but also strengthens your financial future.