CBDT Extends ITR Filing Deadline to 15 September 2025

Press Release, dated 27-05-2025

1. Overview

To ease the compliance burden on individual taxpayers and small businesses, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for filing Income-Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025.

2. Key Updates in the AY 2025-26 ITR Forms

1. Expanded Eligibility for ITR-1 & ITR-4 – Small capital-gains earners (≤ ₹1.25 lakh from equity) can now use the simpler forms.
2. Granular Capital-Gains Reporting – Separate fields for LTCG under Sec 112(1)(c), grandfathered gains, and roll-over deductions.
3. Schedule on Virtual Digital Assets – Mandatory disclosure of cost, sales proceeds, and tax paid on crypto and CBDC transactions.
4. Enhanced Foreign Asset Schedule – Additional rows for overseas ESOPs and debt securities.

5. Auto-captured Pre-filled Data – Salary, interest, dividend, and certain capital-gain figures will download directly from AIS/TIS to minimise manual errors.

3. Practical Implications for Taxpayers

• More Time for Data Reconciliation – Use the extra weeks to match Form 16, Form 26AS, and AIS/TIS data and address discrepancies with deductors.
• Advance Tax/Interest Planning – If additional tax is payable, compute and pay before 15 September to avoid Sec 234B/C interest.
• Early Filing Still Advisable – Salaried filers who receive all TDS credits by mid-June should file early to expedite refunds.
• Audit-Case Timelines Unchanged – Taxpayers subject to audit continue to follow their existing due-date cycle (31 October 2025 for return filing).

4. Action Checklist

1. Download the notified ITR utility (online or offline) once released.
2. Verify TDS/TCS credits in Form 26AS and AIS/TIS after 15 June 2025.
3. Collect proofs for deductions (Sections 80C–80U), interest certificates, and capital-gain statements.
4. Run a pre-validation of bank account and PAN-Aadhaar linking to ensure seamless refund processing.
5. Submit return by 15 September 2025 to avoid late-filing fees under Sec 234F (₹5,000/₹1,000).

5. Conclusion

The CBDT’s extension strikes a balance between systemic readiness and taxpayer convenience. Take advantage of the additional time to file a complete and error-free ITR, thereby speeding up refunds and minimising follow-up notices. If you anticipate challenges in compiling data, engage a qualified tax professional well before the new deadline.

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