ITR Deadline Extended: File Returns by September 16 to avoid penalties

The Income Tax Department has granted taxpayers one additional day to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26, extending the deadline from September 15 to September 16, 2025. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced this decision late Monday night following widespread technical glitches on the e-filing portal that disrupted last-minute submissions.

Record-Breaking Filing Numbers Despite Technical Issues

This represents the highest number of returns ever filed by the original deadline, reflecting stronger tax compliance and an expanding taxpayer base across India.

The Income Tax Department's official statement highlighted this achievement: "A record 7.3 crore+ ITRs have been filed till 15th Sept 2025, surpassing last year's 7.28 crore. We sincerely thank taxpayers & professionals for their timely compliance".

Third Extension This Year Due to System Updates

This marks the third deadline extension for the current assessment year. The original July 31 deadline was first pushed to September 15 in May due to delays in ITR form releases and required backend system updates. The latest one-day extension addresses the technical difficulties experienced by taxpayers during the final filing hours.

To facilitate the extension, the e-filing portal remained in maintenance mode from 12:00 AM to 2:30 AM on September 16 to implement necessary utility changes.

Portal Glitches Prompt Emergency Extension

Thousands of taxpayers reported severe difficulties accessing the income tax e-filing portal on September 15, with many experiencing login failures, slow loading times, and submission errors. The massive rush of approximately one crore expected last-day filers overwhelmed the system, prompting chartered accountants and tax professionals to request urgent intervention.

The department acknowledged these challenges and provided troubleshooting guidance, advising users to clear browser cache and delete temporary files to resolve access issues.

Penalties for Missing the New Deadline

Taxpayers who fail to file by September 16 will face significant financial consequences:

• Late filing fee: Up to Rs.5,000 for returns filed after September 16
  
  

• Enhanced penalty: Up to Rs.10,000 for filing after December 31
  
  

• Reduced penalty: Maximum Rs.1,000 for individuals with total income up to ₹5 lakh
  
  

• Interest charges: 1% per month on any outstanding tax amount
  
  

Department Refutes September 30 Extension Rumors

The Income Tax Department has categorically dismissed viral claims suggesting the deadline would be extended to September 30, calling such reports "fake news." Officials emphasized that taxpayers should rely only on official communications through @IncomeTaxIndia for accurate deadline information.