Ram Kumar 
In a move that brought immediate relief to millions of taxpayers, the Income Tax Department announced a one-day extension for the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). The new due date is now September 16, 2025, a last-minute decision made just before the original deadline of September 15 was set to expire.
Why the Extension? Technical Glitches and Heavy Traffic
The extension was a direct response to widespread reports of technical issues on the e-filing portal. For several days leading up to the deadline, taxpayers and tax professionals alike took to social media to voice their frustration over slow page loading, login errors, and difficulties in uploading documents. The e-filing platform experienced a significant surge in traffic as the deadline approached, leading to system disruptions.
In a statement on its official social media handle, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) confirmed the extension, citing the need to facilitate further filings. It also announced that the e-filing portal would undergo a brief maintenance period to enable necessary changes to the utilities.
Importance of Timely Filing
While the extension provides a crucial additional day, the Income Tax Department continues to advise taxpayers against waiting until the last minute. Timely filing is essential to avoid potential penalties, late fees, and interest charges under the Income Tax Act.
For those who were unable to file by the new September 16 deadline, it is still possible to file a belated return until December 31, 2025, but this will incur late fees. Additionally, taxpayers who miss the original deadline may lose the option to choose between the old and new tax regimes and may be unable to carry forward certain losses.
What Taxpayers Should Do
With the new deadline, taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of the extra time to ensure their returns are accurate. The department has also issued an advisory for those still facing technical issues, recommending measures such as clearing browser cache, using supported browsers, and disabling unnecessary extensions. By following these steps and filing their returns promptly, taxpayers can ensure smooth processing and avoid last-minute hurdles.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Previous Deadline: September 15, 2025
- New Deadline: September 16, 2025
- Reason: Technical glitches on the e-filing portal
- Applies to: FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Please consult official Income Tax Department sources or a certified tax professional for personalized guidance.
Author Bio
