The Last Date of ITR Filing Today for many taxpayers in India. The last date for those whose accounts do not require an audit is today, September 15, 2025. This date has been fixed by the Income Tax Department. If taxpayers delay further, they face penalties and loss of benefits. This article tells you what steps you need to complete, what you stand to lose if you miss the deadline, and how to proceed safely.
Why September 15 and to whom does it apply
Originally, the ITR (Income Tax Return) due date was July 31, 2025. The government extended it to September 15 for individuals, HUFs, and others who do not require an audit. This extra time came about due to changes in the ITR form format and updating of the filing utility and backend system.
Different deadlines are still applicable for those who have to audit their accounts or have international/domestic transactions under certain sections. They do not get the benefit of today’s deadline.
Documents and Setup: What you need to have ready
To file your ITR today without any hassle, make sure you have the following:
Also make sure your bank details are valid and properly linked. Use a well-functioning browser. Clear the browser cache. Don’t wait for the portal to slow down.
What happens if you miss the deadline
If you don’t file your ITR by today, there are several consequences:
You can file your return late till December 31, 2025.
-You will have to pay a penalty under Section 234F:
- Rs 1,000 if your total income is up to Rs 5 lakh.
- Rs 5,000 if your income is more than Rs 5 lakh.
-You will also have to pay interest on any tax payable under Sections 234A, 234B, 234K.
-You will lose the right to carry forward certain losses (capital or business losses).
-Certain deductions, exemptions or changes in tax regime will no longer be available.
-Refunds (if any) may be delayed due to verification and processing.
Current filing status and portal issues
Tax authorities say that over 6 crore ITRs have been filed so far for the assessment year 2025-26. The number of people getting their returns e-verified is low, but increasing.
Some taxpayers have complained of a glitch in the portal today. AIS or Form 26AS downloading is slow. Login issues are arising. Some are unable to upload documents. The Income Tax Help Center is working 24×7. Officials are asking users to try different browsers, clear cache and use only the official portal.
Myths and Misinformation: What’s Not True
There are several false claims doing the rounds on social media:
- The ITR deadline has been extended to September 30, 2025.
- False notifications and press-release style messages saying “CBDT has extended the deadline”.
The Income Tax Department has officially denied these things. They call such things fake. They urge taxpayers to follow updates only from official sources like @IncomeTaxIndia or on the Income Tax portal.
Which ITR form should you use
Choosing the right ITR form can avoid future problems. Below is a rough guide:
| Income Type / Situation | Form |
|---|---|
| Salary, pension, interest income only (no capital gains, foreign income) | ITR-1 (Sahaj) |
| If you have capital gains, foreign income, or more complex income sources | ITR-2 |
| Business or profession income | ITR-3 |
| Presumptive income schemes | ITR-4 (Sugam) |
If you use the wrong form, you may get a notice or delay. This may also lead to inability to carry forward losses or deductions.
Last-minute tips for smooth filing
To reach the ITR filing deadline today, do this:
- Collect all documents now. Don’t rely on others.
- Check your PAN-Aadhaar link. If it is not linked, it may get rejected.
- File early in the day to avoid congestion on the site.
- Take a screenshot or save a PDF of the submission confirmation.
- E-verify your return immediately (through OTP, net banking or other methods). Without verification, your return is not valid.
- Use offline utilities only if the portal is unstable—but check that they are from authorized sources.
Penalties, interest and losses: How big are they
The financial cost of missing out today is real. Let’s compare two hypothetical cases:
| Total Income in FY 2024-25 | Penalty Under Sec 234F | Other Losses / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Up to Rs 5 lakh | Rs 1,000 | Loss of ability to carry forward losses; delayed refunds |
| Above Rs 5 lakh | Rs 5,000 | Some deductions/exemptions restricted; interest on tax due |
Apart from penalties, delay in filing often increases anxiety, risk of error and difficulty in getting refund.
What about auditors and other categories?
If your accounts require an audit, your ITR due date is not today. Depending on your category, you may have later dates (e.g. October 31, 2025 or later). Those deadlines have not changed. Similarly, if you have international transactions or other special requirements, the deadlines vary.
So while “Today’s ITR due date” may apply to many, it may not apply to everyone. Double-check your category.
Who: Why behavior matters more than just the date
While the due date is important, your behavior while preparing your filing is also important. Accuracy, correct form usage, avoiding mistakes and verifying details make all the difference. Tax returns with mismatched data can lead to later notices or audits. Delays also limit your ability to plan tax strategies (deductions, proper arrangements).
Additionally, using the official portal and avoiding misinformation helps reduce the risk of fraud. Over the years, many people have fallen prey to fake messages about extensions, phishing links, or fraudulent services.
Ultimately, how today goes becomes a matter of habit. If you file carefully now, you build trust in the system. If you procrastinate, the cost is often more than just the late fee.
Today’s ITR filing deadline is more than just a deadline. It’s a signal to act, gather everything, file carefully, and verify immediately. If you miss today, you get another chance – but it comes at a price.Avoid rumors. Use the right forms. Prepare the documents. File early. Verify early. Regretting later may not be worth the few extra hours you wait.This deadline tests your readiness. For many, today will be the last chance to close the filing season. Act now.
