The ITR (Income Tax Return) filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers (like salaried individuals, HUFs, etc.) for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) was originally July 31, 2025, but has been officially extended to September 15, 2025.
This extension was prompted by delays in notification and release of revised ITR forms and filing utilities, and late TDS data update.
The revised forms and both Excel (offline) and JSON (online) utilities, especially for ITR-1 to ITR-4 were released late. Higher-tier forms like ITR-5, 6, and 7 followed even later.
The filing window opened around late May (typically in April), further compressing the timeline
Meanwhile, audit-case deadlines remain unchanged:
- Audit taxpayers (Section 44AB): October 31, 2025
- Transfer pricing (Form 3CEB): November 30, 2025
- Belated/Revised returns: December 31, 2025
- ITR-U (updated returns): until March 31, 2030 (48-month window)
Are There Calls for Further Extension?
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has formally requested another extension, citing ongoing issues like:
- Discrepancies in Form 26AS and AIS (Annual Information Statement)
- Technical glitches on the e-filing portal
- Delayed release of audit forms
- A compressed filing window for tax professionals and taxpayers alike
On social media, CA Himank Singla also urged postponing deadlines across tax filing, audits, ROC filings, and GST returns to avoid "last-minute chaos."
The Flip Side - Why Extend?
- Reduced compliance pressure: Delays in utilities and glitches have squeezed taxpayers' filing times.
- Data errors/discrepancies: Form 26AS and AIS mismatches can cause filing delays or inaccuracies.
- Professional workload overload: Chartered accountants and tax professionals are facing an intense backlog due to late starts and tight deadlines.
There's reasonable justification for another extension, especially given ongoing technical issues, delayed data, and feedback from professional bodies like GCCI. It would certainly offer taxpayers much-needed breathing space.
However, the current extension was negotiated thoughtfully and communicated early. Another shift could lead to complacency, filing congestion, and administrative ripple effects.
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