Income Tax Return 2025: Due Dates, Filing Process, Penalty Rules & Key Updates

The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, corresponding to the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, without incurring a penalty, is today. This deadline is particularly significant for millions of taxpayers across India, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and entities that are not required to have their accounts audited. Filing ITR on time ensures compliance with tax regulations, avoidance of penalties, and smooth processing of returns and refunds.

Originally, the due date for filing ITR for non-auditable taxpayers was set as July 31, 2025. This is the standard annual deadline for most individual taxpayers who do not fall under the category of businesses or entities requiring statutory audits. However, in May 2025, recognizing the challenges faced by taxpayers in preparing and filing their returns, the Income Tax Department extended the deadline by 45 days, moving it to September 15, 2025.

This extension provided much-needed relief to non-auditable taxpayers, allowing them additional time to gather financial documents, calculate tax liabilities, claim deductions, and ensure accuracy in their filings. Importantly, the extension applied only to a specific category of taxpayers—namely individuals, HUFs, and entities not mandated to undergo an audit of their accounts. For taxpayers or businesses subject to audits, the due date for ITR filing remains unchanged and continues to follow the separate timeline prescribed by law.

The extension also highlights the department’s attempt to balance compliance requirements with the practical difficulties faced by taxpayers. Over the years, many taxpayers and professional associations have sought deadline extensions due to system slowdowns, procedural complexities, or delays in accessing necessary financial data. The decision in May 2025 reflects the government’s responsiveness to such concerns.

Today’s deadline carries added significance because any delay beyond September 15, 2025, would result in penalties under the Income Tax Act. If taxpayers fail to file their returns on time, they may be subject to a late fee ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on their income bracket. Moreover, delayed filing may also result in additional consequences such as interest on unpaid taxes, reduced time to revise returns, and complications in carrying forward certain losses for tax purposes.

The emphasis on timely filing is not only about avoiding penalties but also about ensuring access to tax refunds. Taxpayers who have excess tax deducted at source (TDS) or advance tax payments are entitled to refunds only after successfully filing their ITR. Delays in filing could mean delays in receiving refunds, which can cause unnecessary financial strain.

In conclusion, the last date for filing ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) without penalty is September 15, 2025. The extension from the earlier date of July 31 was a temporary relief, but now taxpayers must act swiftly. Non-auditable taxpayers—individuals, HUFs, and entities—must file their returns today to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Missing the deadline could not only attract fines but also complicate future tax matters. Therefore, it is crucial for eligible taxpayers to complete their filings before the extended deadline ends today.