The ITR filing deadline for AY 2025-26 has been extended to September 16 due to technical issues. Maj Associates CA explains how to use the extra time smartly, avoid penalties & file correctly.

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Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Deadline Extended Again: What You Must Do Now – Major Relief for Taxpayers & CA Advice


The Income Tax Department has once again extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25). The new deadline is September 16, 2025, giving taxpayers and chartered accountants a little extra time to file without penalties. The Economic Times

This extension has come in view of multiple issues – technical glitches, e-filing portal timeouts, delays in form utilities, and data mismatches. Many taxpayers who couldn’t file earlier are relieved. But this relief also increases pressure because the deadline is near. If you're reading this, here’s what you (and your CA) should be doing right away.

Why the Extension Happened

  • E-filing portal problems: slow uploads, server timeouts, user session issues. The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2

  • Delay in availability of the required ITR forms and utilities for some taxpayers. These delays make it harder to prepare accurate returns in time. The Economic Times+1

  • Data mismatches between AIS (Annual Information Statement), Form 26AS, and other records, which require reconciliation. The Economic Times+1

What This Means for You / What Taxpayers Need to Be Aware Of

  • No penalty if you file by the new due date (September 16, 2025). After that, late-filing fees under Section 234F or interest under Section 234A may apply. The Economic Times+2ClearTax+2

  • If you miss September 16, you can still file a belated ITR but with penalties/late fees and possibly other limitations (loss of some deductions, delayed refunds, etc.). The Economic Times+1

  • Choose the correct ITR form: more complex situations (capital gains, foreign income, multiple house properties etc.) require ITR-2, ITR-3 etc. Don’t pick a wrong form. The Economic Times+2Moneycontrol+2

  • Verify data from Form 26AS / AIS carefully, reconcile discrepancies before filing. Mistakes here cause notices later.

How Chartered Accountants Can Help (And What We at Maj Associates Can Do)

As a tax professional / CA, here are some key value-adds you should expect, and what Maj Associates can offer:

  • Guidance on which form to use (ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 etc.), depending on your income sources.

  • Help to collect & reconcile all documents: Form 16, 26AS, income proofs, bank statements, details of capital gains, etc.

  • Ensuring correct claiming of deductions (under sections like 80C, 80D etc.), so no benefit is lost due to haste or errors.

  • File and e-verify the return properly. Verifying on time avoids return being considered invalid.

  • Handle belated filing if needed, explaining penalties, late fees, and any loss of benefit so you can make an informed choice.

  • Keep you updated on any further announcements / extensions or clarifications from CBDT, ICAI etc.

What You Should Do Right Now

  1. Gather all required documents: Form 16, bank interest, investment proofs, capital gains, rent receipts, etc.

  2. Check your eligibility & determine if you're required to file audited/ non-audited returns.

  3. Consult your CA immediately to plan your filing and avoid last minute rush.

  4. Use the extra time smartly: double-check your data with AIS & Form 26AS to avoid mismatches.

  5. Ensure e-verification is done soon after filing, to make your filing valid.

FAQs

Q1. Which taxpayers are affected by this extension?
Individuals, HUFs and other taxpayers who are not obligated for tax audit and use simpler ITR forms are the ones who benefit most from this extension. For audit cases, different deadlines apply. ClearTax+1

Q2. Is there any extension for audit cases?
As of now, the extension is confirmed for non-audit taxpayers. Audit deadlines are generally different and may still be tight. The Economic Times

Q3. What if I file after the deadline (belated return)?
You can file a belated return, but expect a late fee (Section 234F), interest (234A) and possibly lose some benefits (if you miss certain deductions or lose ability to carry forward some losses).

Conclusion 

The recent extension provides welcome relief, but it doesn't mean you can wait till the very last minute. Accuracy, correctness, and timely verification are critical to avoid trouble later. If you want to make sure your ITR filing is completely correct and optimised, do not attempt it alone under time pressure.

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