Big relief for income taxpayers: ITR 2025 filing deadline extended. Here is why

ITR 2025 filing deadline extended: In view of the extensive changes introduced in the notified Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and considering the time required for system readiness and rollout of ITR utilities for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has decided to extend the due date for filing returns.

Accordingly, to facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, it has been decided that the due date for filing of ITRs, originally due on 31st July, 2025, is extended to 15th September, 2025.

The notified ITRs for AY 2025-26 have undergone structural and content revisions aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and enabling accurate reporting. These changes have necessitated additional time for system development, integration, and testing of the corresponding utilities. Furthermore, credits arising from TDS statements, due for filing by 31st May, 2025, are expected to begin reflecting in early June, limiting the effective window for return filing in the absence of such extension.

This extension is expected to mitigate the concerns raised by stakeholders and provide adequate time for compliance, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the return filing process.

ITR 2025 filing deadline extended: Step-by-step guide to do it online

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) online in India is a straightforward process, primarily done through the official Income Tax e-filing portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Gather Necessary Documents:

Before you start, make sure you have the following documents ready:

PAN Card and Aadhaar Card: These are essential for identification and linking purposes.
Form 16: If you are a salaried individual, your employer issues this, detailing your salary and TDS.
Form 26AS: This is your Annual Information Statement, available on the e-filing portal, showing details of tax deducted at source (TDS), tax collected at source (TCS), advance tax paid, and self-assessment tax paid.
Annual Information Statement (AIS): This is a comprehensive statement of your financial transactions during the year.
Bank Statements/Passbook: For interest earned on savings accounts, fixed deposits, etc.
Investment Proofs: For claiming deductions under sections like 80C (e.g., PPF, life insurance, ELSS), 80D (health insurance), 80G (donations), etc.
Home Loan Interest Certificate: If you have a home loan.
Capital Gains Statements: If you have income from the sale of shares, mutual funds, property, etc.
Rent Receipts: If you claim House Rent Allowance (HRA).
Other Income Details: Details of income from other sources like family pension, freelance income, etc.

How to file ITR online

-Go to the official Income Tax e-filing website: www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
-New User: If you are a first-time user, click on “Register” and follow the instructions to create an account using your PAN.
Registered User: Log in using your User ID (which is usually your PAN), password, and captcha code.

-Navigate to “File Income Tax Return”:

-On your dashboard, click on the “e-File” tab.

-From the dropdown menu, select “Income Tax Returns” and then “File Income Tax Return.”

-Select Assessment Year and Mode of Filing:
Assessment Year (AY): Select the relevant assessment year. For example, if you are filing for income earned in Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, the Assessment Year will be AY 2025-26.
Mode of Filing: Choose “Online.”

-Select Status and ITR Form:
Status: Select your applicable filing status (e.g., Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Firm/LLP). For most individuals, it will be “Individual.”

ITR Form: The system will guide you to select the appropriate ITR form based on your income sources. Common ITR forms for individuals are:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources (like interest income).
• ITR-2: For individuals and HUFs not having income from business or profession but with capital gains, income from more than one house property, etc.
• ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs having income from profits and gains of business or profession.
• ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs, and firms (other than LLPs) with income up to ₹50 lakh from presumptive business or profession (under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE), salary, one house property, and other sources.
• The portal will pre-fill a lot of your personal details (PAN, Aadhaar, name, contact information, bank details) and some income details based on information available with the Income Tax Department (from Form 26AS, AIS, etc.).
• Review and Edit: Carefully review all pre-filled data. Make any necessary corrections or additions.
• Enter Remaining Details:
• -Personal Information: Verify and update if needed.
• -Gross Total Income: Declare all sources of income (salary, house property, other sources, capital gains, business/profession).
• -Deductions: Claim all eligible deductions under Chapter VI-A (e.g., 80C, 80D, 80E, etc.).
• Be aware of the new tax regime (Section 115BAC) which is the default; if you want to opt for the old regime to claim deductions, you need to explicitly select it.
• -Taxes Paid: Verify TDS, TCS, advance tax, and self-assessment tax details.
• -Total Tax Liability: The system will calculate your tax liability. If there’s any balance tax payable, you’ll need to pay it online.
• -Once all details are filled, preview your return to ensure accuracy.
• Click on “Submit.”

E-Verify Your Return: This is a crucial final step. Your ITR is not considered filed until it’s verified. You must e-verify your return within 30 days of filing. Common e-verification methods include:

• Aadhaar OTP: OTP sent to your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
• Net Banking: Login through your bank’s net banking portal.
• Bank Account EVC: Generate Electronic Verification Code (EVC) through a pre-validated bank account.
• Demat Account EVC: Generate EVC through a pre-validated Demat account.
• Sending ITR-V by Post: If you cannot e-verify, you can print, sign, and send the ITR-V (acknowledgment form) by ordinary post or speed post to the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) in Bengaluru.

Also Read | ITR Filing 2025: Key changes in updated Income Tax Return Forms every taxpayer must know