The Impressive TimesMay 28, 2025 : In a significant relief for taxpayers across the country, the Income Tax Department has officially extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 to September 30, 2025. The extension, announced by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), comes amid ongoing updates to the new tax filing portal and demands from tax professionals for more time to comply with regulatory requirements.
According to a statement issued by the CBDT, the deadline has been extended to ensure a smoother and error-free return filing process as the government continues to roll out improvements to the digital infrastructure of the income tax system. The new features include pre-filled data for taxpayers, AI-powered assistance, and enhanced verification mechanisms—all aimed at improving user experience and reducing the scope for errors or delays.
“The decision has been taken considering requests from stakeholders and ongoing backend updates to improve portal functionality,” the statement read. “This move will also provide ample time for salaried individuals, business owners, and professionals to compile their financial documents and file accurate returns.”
The extension has been welcomed by chartered accountants and tax consultants, who had earlier raised concerns over the tight timelines amidst the rollout of new reporting standards. “This is a much-needed relief,” said Nikhil Sharma, a Delhi-based tax advisor. “Many clients were struggling to adapt to the newly integrated systems and documentation requirements. The extended deadline gives everyone breathing room.”
Small business owners and freelancers, who often find themselves racing against deadlines due to irregular incomes and accounting complexities, are also likely to benefit from the extra time.
Despite the deadline extension, experts are advising taxpayers not to delay the process until the last minute. Filing returns early can help avoid portal congestion, provide time to rectify mistakes, and enable faster refunds. Taxpayers are also reminded that returns filed after the due date are subject to penalties unless covered under the extension notification.
The extension applies to individual taxpayers who are not required to get their accounts audited. For those whose accounts require audit under the Income Tax Act, a separate notification with revised deadlines is expected soon.
The extension is also part of the government’s broader effort to increase compliance while making the tax system more transparent and efficient. With the continued integration of PAN and Aadhaar, pre-filled forms, and real-time data access, authorities are aiming to reduce tax evasion and streamline the filing experience.
Finance Ministry officials have indicated that such steps are aligned with the government’s Digital India mission and the push toward a paperless, faceless, and hassle-free tax environment.
While the new deadline offers more time, taxpayers are advised to prepare their documents, verify details, and complete their filings well before the September 30 deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
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