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Home » CBDT Extends Due Date for Filing Non-Audit ITRs for AY 2025-26 to September 16, 2025

CBDT Extends Due Date for Filing Non-Audit ITRs for AY 2025-26 to September 16, 2025

CBDT Extends Due Date for Filing Non-Audit ITRs for AY 2025-26 to September 16, 2025

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has provided major relief to taxpayers by announcing yet another extension of the due date for filing non-audit Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. Initially set at 15th September 2025, the last date for filing has now been extended to 16th September 2025.

This one-day extension, though minor, is significant for lakhs of taxpayers who are yet to file their returns. According to the official communication, the Income Tax e-filing portal will remain under maintenance from 12:00 AM to 02:30 AM on 16th September 2025 in order to enable necessary changes in utilities.

Key Highlights of the Extension

  • Extended Due Date: Non-audit ITR filing deadline shifted from 15th September 2025 to 16th September 2025.
  • Applicability: The extension applies only to non-audit cases—that is, individuals and taxpayers who are not required to get their accounts audited under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • Portal Downtime: The e-filing portal will undergo scheduled maintenance between 12:00 AM and 02:30 AM on 16th September 2025.
  • CBDT Notification: The official update has been released by CBDT to avoid confusion and to give taxpayers sufficient clarity.

Why Has the ITR Due Date Been Extended?

The extension of ITR deadlines by CBDT is not new. Every year, due dates are often extended to account for:

  1. Technical Updates in the Portal: With millions of taxpayers filing returns simultaneously, glitches in the Income Tax e-filing portal are common. The short maintenance window on 16th September 2025 is to ensure smooth functioning.
  2. Taxpayer Relief: Last-minute filers often face difficulties due to heavy traffic on the portal. Extending the due date reduces the chances of missed filings and late fees.
  3. Compliance Ease: This extension benefits salaried employees, freelancers, professionals, and small taxpayers who are filing ITR-1 or ITR-2 or ITR-4 without audit requirements.

Consequences of Missing the ITR Filing Deadline

Even though CBDT has extended the date to 16th September 2025, taxpayers should not wait until the last moment. Missing the deadline can have serious consequences, including:

  • Late Filing Fees: Under Section 234F, late filers may have to pay up to ₹5,000 as penalty.
  • Loss of Interest on Refunds: Filing late may reduce or delay interest on income tax refunds.
  • Restriction on Loss Carry Forward: Certain losses (like capital losses) cannot be carried forward if the ITR is filed after the due date.
  • Higher Scrutiny Risk: Delayed filings may increase the chances of getting flagged for scrutiny.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Taxpayers

If you still haven’t filed your ITR for AY 2025-26, here’s what you should do before 16th September 2025:

  1. Choose the Correct ITR Form:
  • ITR-1 for salaried individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh.
  • ITR-2 for individuals/HUFs with capital gains, multiple house properties, or foreign income.
  • ITR-4 for individuals/HUFs who wants to declare income on presumptive basis under section 44AD
  1. Keep Documents Ready: Collect your Form 16, Form 26AS, AIS/TIS reports, bank statements, and investment proofs.
  2. Use Pre-filled Data: The portal now provides pre-filled forms with salary, interest, and TDS details. Verify carefully before submission.
  3. E-Verify the Return: Filing is complete only after e-verification through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other approved methods.
  4. Check Acknowledgement: Download and save the ITR-V acknowledgement for future reference.

Expert Tip: File Early, Avoid Last-Minute Rush

While the deadline has been extended, experts advise taxpayers not to wait until 16th September 2025. Filing early ensures:

  • Less stress and no last-minute errors.
  • Timely processing of income tax refunds.
  • Avoiding penalties or compliance notices.

Conclusion

The CBDT’s decision to extend the ITR filing due date for AY 2025-26 to 16th September 2025 provides a short but crucial relief window for non-audit taxpayers. However, with the e-filing portal downtime scheduled from 12:00 AM to 02:30 AM on the same day, it is wise to complete filing well before the deadline.

Taxpayers are strongly advised to utilize this extension wisely and ensure compliance under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Timely filing not only avoids penalties but also keeps financial records transparent and future-ready.

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