The extension applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and entities who do not need to get their accounts audited. They can now file their tax returns for income earned in the 2024–25 (April–March) fiscal year by September 15
This year, ITR forms for AY 2025–26 were notified in late April and early May, unlike the previous year's practice of notifying them in January/February. Representational pic
The Income Tax Department on Tuesday extended the due date for filing Indian Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 to September 15, from the earlier deadline of July 31.
The extension applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and entities who do not need to get their accounts audited. They can now file their tax returns for income earned in the 2024–25 (April–March) fiscal year by September 15.
In a statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the extension was necessitated to prepare the Income Tax systems to incorporate changes in ITR forms and to roll out the updated utilities.
This year, ITR forms for AY 2025–26 were notified in late April and early May, unlike the previous year's practice of notifying them in January/February.
"To facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, it has been decided that the due date for filing ITR, originally due on July 31, is extended to September 15, 2025," the CBDT said.
The notified ITRs for AY 2025–26 have "undergone structural and content revisions" aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and enabling accurate reporting. These changes have necessitated additional time for system development, integration, and testing of the corresponding utilities, it added.
According to PTI, the government notified Income Tax Return Forms 1 and 4—filed by individuals, HUFs, and entities with total income up to Rs 50 lakh a year and who do not require their accounts to be audited—on April 29 for the assessment year 2025–26.
Now, entities with long-term capital gains (LTCG) of up to Rs 1.25 lakh from listed equities can show such income in ITR 1 and 4. Earlier, they were required to file ITR-2.
Furthermore, credits arising from TDS statements, due for filing by May 31, are expected to begin reflecting in early June—limiting the effective window for return filing without such an extension, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the government has also introduced certain changes in the form regarding deductions claimed under sections 80C, 80GG, and others. A drop-down menu has been provided in the utility for tax filers to make selections. Additionally, assessees will now have to furnish section-wise details in the ITR regarding TDS deductions.
Under the Income Tax Act, LTCG of up to Rs 1.25 lakh from the sale of listed shares and mutual funds is exempt from tax. Gains exceeding Rs 1.25 lakh per annum are subject to a 12.5% tax.
Typically, ITR forms are notified before the end of the fiscal year, mostly around January or February. This time, however, the ITR forms and the filing utility were delayed, as revenue department officials were preoccupied with the new Income Tax Bill, which was introduced in Parliament in February.
(With inputs from PTI)
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