Will the Income Tax Department Extend ITR Filing Due Date for AY 2025-26?
As the July 31 deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) approaches, chartered accountants (CAs) are already fielding early questions from clients about potential extensions. With the delay in releasing ITR forms and utilities, the possibility of an extension is being discussed.
Income Tax ReturnsItr FilingDeadline ExtensionCentral Board Of Direct TaxesTax ComplianceReal EstateMay 21, 2025
For Assessment Year 2025-26 (FY 2024-25), the official deadline for individuals and non-audit cases remains July 31, 2025. However, the present situation is that the department has not yet released the excel utilities for filing the tax returns. It is believed that when the ITR forms are notified, within 7-10 days, the utility will also be released.
According to the most recent information on the Income Tax Department’s web as of May 20, 2025, there are about 12 crore people registered on the portal, but as of yet, no returns have been submitted due to the delay in ITR Form notification and utilities. This disparity from the previous year indicates an enormous hold-up in the filing of returns for both professionals and taxpayers.
The Department has to anticipate demand to make sure that the required utilities and ITR forms are made available by April 1st itself, as the number of taxpayers continues to rise yearly. An extension of the filing date is not only reasonable but also required in the event that utility releases are delayed.
The last-minute pressure, which is made worse by portal slowdowns, is likely to make timely submission exceedingly difficult for both professionals and taxpayers, who already have a lot of compliance responsibilities. Historically, the government has only extended this deadline under exceptional circumstances, such as technical glitches on the e-filing portal, delays in issuing Form 16, or during extraordinary events like the Covid-19 pandemic. In normal years, the department rarely grants extensions, and any such decision is usually made close to the due date, based on prevailing conditions.
Tax experts point out that in previous years, delays in notifying forms or utilities have sometimes led to deadline extensions, and with almost a month already lost in 2025, there is a possibility that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) could consider an extension if taxpayers are unable to meet the compliance requirements in time. However, unless there are widespread disruptions or other compelling reasons, the department is likely to adhere to the original deadline.
For those who miss the July 31 deadline, a belated return filing by December 31, 2025 is available, albeit with penalties and interest. Additionally, recent amendments have extended the window for filing updated returns (ITR-U) to four years from the end of the relevant assessment year, offering taxpayers more flexibility to correct past omissions, though at a higher penalty cost the later they file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official deadline for filing ITR for AY 2025-26?
The official deadline for filing ITR for Assessment Year 2025-26 (FY 2024-25) is July 31, 2025.
Why are clients asking about extensions so early this year?
Clients are asking about extensions early because the Income Tax Department has not yet released the excel utilities for filing the tax returns, causing delays in the filing process.
What is the usual reason for extending the ITR filing deadline?
The government typically extends the ITR filing deadline under exceptional circumstances, such as technical glitches on the e-filing portal, delays in issuing Form 16, or during extraordinary events like the Covid-19 pandemic.
What are the penalties for filing a belated ITR?
For those who miss the July 31 deadline, a belated return filing by December 31, 2025 is available, but it comes with penalties and interest.
What is the window for filing updated returns (ITR-U)?
Recent amendments have extended the window for filing updated returns (ITR-U) to four years from the end of the relevant assessment year, although at a higher penalty cost the later they file.
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