Income Tax Return Filing Deadline Extended: Here’s What You Need to Know

The government has officially extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26 by one day. Taxpayers now have until September 16, 2025, to complete their filing without facing late fees or penalties.

This decision comes after the e-filing portal experienced unusually heavy traffic and technical glitches on September 15, the original last date. Many individuals reported issues such as slow loading pages, failed logins, and errors during submission. To prevent genuine taxpayers from being penalized due to technical disruptions, the deadline was pushed back.

Why the Extension Was Announced

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reviewed the situation after receiving widespread complaints on the final day of filing. With millions of taxpayers attempting to access the portal simultaneously, the system was unable to handle the surge smoothly. As a result, the authorities decided to extend the filing period by 24 hours.

Officials explained that the step was taken in public interest, ensuring fairness for those who had prepared their returns on time but faced difficulties beyond their control.

How Many Returns Have Been Filed So Far

By September 15, more than 7.3 crore ITRs had already been filed, marking a steady increase compared to the same time last year. This figure reflects both improved awareness of tax compliance and the expanding taxpayer base in India. However, the large volume of last-minute filings once again highlighted the risks of delaying until the deadline day.

What the Extension Means for Taxpayers

For those who were unable to file due to portal issues, this extension is a welcome relief. Taxpayers now have one more day to complete the process without incurring late filing fees.

However, experts warn against assuming that further extensions will follow. The current move is described as an exceptional measure, not a precedent. Those who still miss the extended deadline could face fines and interest charges as per the Income Tax Act.

Tips for Filing Before the New Deadline

1. Avoid last-minute rush: Log in during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night, to reduce the chances of system slowdowns.
2. Keep documents ready: Ensure that Form 26AS, AIS, TDS certificates, salary slips, and investment proofs are in order.
3. Double-check information: Errors in PAN, Aadhaar, or bank details may lead to processing delays.
4. Save acknowledgement: After successful filing, download and store the acknowledgement for your records.
5. E-verify immediately: Filing is incomplete until e-verification is done. Use Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other available methods.

Broader Lessons From the Delay

This episode has once again underlined the importance of planning ahead. Waiting until the final hours of the deadline is always risky, especially when millions of users try to access the same portal at once. It also highlights the need for stronger technical infrastructure capable of handling massive surges in traffic.

For taxpayers, the message is clear: early preparation not only reduces stress but also ensures that unforeseen issues, such as system crashes or outages, do not derail compliance.

Final Word

The one-day extension of the ITR deadline may seem minor, but for thousands of taxpayers who struggled with the portal, it provides crucial relief. With the new date set for September 16, 2025, individuals should take immediate advantage of the extra time.

Timely filing not only avoids penalties but also ensures smooth processing of refunds and helps maintain a clean financial record. The government has offered taxpayers a second chance — now it is up to individuals to make the most of it.