Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing 2025: How to File & Last Date for ITR Filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)
Asharam Swain- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) on time is a crucial responsibility for every taxpayer in India. It ensures compliance with tax laws, enables claiming refunds due, and helps avoid costly penalties. This applies to all individuals, whether salaried employees, business owners, freelancers, or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Understanding the correct filing procedure, key deadlines, and the documents required is essential to avoid errors and delays that can complicate your tax journey.
For the financial year 2024-25, the filing process remains straightforward if approached with accurate information and timely action. However, many taxpayers face challenges in selecting the right ITR form, organizing their financial documents, or navigating the official portals. This is where TaxBuddy comes in as a reliable ally. TaxBuddy offers expert assistance, step-by-step guidance, and automated tools that simplify the entire filing experience. Whether it’s accurate form selection, error detection, or meeting due dates, TaxBuddy’s platform empowers taxpayers to file confidently and efficiently, reducing stress and minimizing the risk of mistakes.
Table of Contents
Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing 2025 Last Date Extended
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025.
Reasons for the Extension
This extension has been granted due to significant revisions in the ITR forms, which aim to simplify compliance, enhance transparency, and enable accurate reporting. The changes require additional time for system development, integration, and testing of the updated filing utilities. Moreover, since Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) statements are filed by May 31, 2025, and take some time to reflect, the extension provides taxpayers more time to file returns with complete information.
Key Changes in ITR Forms for AY 2025-26
Simplified Reporting for Capital Gains: Taxpayers can now report long-term capital gains (LTCG) up to ₹1.25 lakh directly in ITR-1 and ITR-4, provided there are no capital losses to carry forward.
Mandatory Disclosure of Tax Regime Choice: Taxpayers must explicitly declare their choice between the old and new tax regimes. First-time opt-outs from the new regime need to submit Form 10-IEA along with the acknowledgment number.
Enhanced TDS Reporting: The new forms require taxpayers to mention the TDS section under which tax was deducted from their income.
ITR Filing in 2025: How to File & What is the Last Date for ITR Filing?
Filing the Income Tax Return for the financial year 2024-25 requires choosing the appropriate ITR form based on your income source, such as ITR-1 for salaried individuals or ITR-3/ITR-4 for business owners and professionals. Key documents like Form 16, Form 26AS, and investment proofs must be gathered to ensure accurate reporting. The return must be submitted online through the Income Tax Department’s portal before the due date—commonly July 31, 2025, for salaried taxpayers. Filing after this date can lead to penalties, although belated and updated returns are allowed within specified timelines. Leveraging platforms like TaxBuddy streamlines this process by providing expert guidance, automated calculations, and timely reminders, ensuring tax returns are filed correctly and on time for Assessment Year 2025-26.
Last Date for ITR Filing for FY 2024-25
Meeting the last date for filing your Income Tax Return is vital to avoid penalties and enjoy full tax benefits. For the financial year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26), the deadlines vary depending on the taxpayer’s category:
Taxpayer Category | Last Date for Filing ITR |
Salaried Individuals (Non-audit cases) | July 31, 2025 |
Businesses and Professionals (Audit cases) | October 31, 2025 |
Domestic Companies | October 31, 2025 |
Transfer Pricing Cases | November 30, 2025 |
Belated or Revised Returns | December 31, 2025 |
Updated Return (ITR-U) | March 31, 2030 |
Filing after these deadlines can result in penalties and loss of certain benefits. The due date for salaried taxpayers is typically earlier to enable timely processing and refunds. Those under audit or with complex tax structures get a later deadline to gather documents and complete compliance.
Belated returns can still be filed until December 31, 2025, but they attract late fees. The updated return option (ITR-U) is available until 2030 for rectifying mistakes or omissions with additional charges.
How to File Your ITR for AY 2025-26
Filing your ITR correctly involves several steps designed to ensure accurate reporting and compliance:
Choose the Correct ITR Form: Select the form that matches your income source:
ITR-1 (Sahaj) for salaried individuals with simple income
ITR-2 for salaried individuals with capital gains or multiple properties
ITR-3 or ITR-4 for business owners and professionals
ITR-6 for companies, and ITR-7 for trusts and other entities
Gather Required Documents: Collect documents like Form 16 (salary certificate), Form 26AS (tax credit statement), bank statements, proof of investments, and income details.
Register/Login on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Access the official portal at www.incometax.gov.in and register or log in using your PAN.
Fill in the ITR Form: Enter your personal details, income sources, deductions, and tax payments accurately. Double-check to avoid errors.
Upload or Attach Required Documents: Some forms require uploading supporting documents, while others only need data entry.
Verify and Submit: Review your ITR and submit it electronically.
E-Verify Your Return: Complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank account, or by sending a signed physical acknowledgement (ITR-V) to CPC Bangalore within 30 days.
Penalties for Missing Deadlines
Missing the ITR filing deadline can lead to several consequences:
Late Filing Fee
If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the late fee is ₹1,000.
If your income exceeds ₹5 lakh, the late fee can go up to ₹5,000 as per Section 234F.
Interest on Outstanding Tax
Section 234A mandates a 1% per month interest on any unpaid taxes from the due date of filing until the date the taxes are paid.
Loss of Benefits
Failure to file on time can result in the loss of benefits like carrying forward losses (e.g., capital losses) to future years.
Refunds may be delayed, and you may miss the opportunity to claim them.
Updated Return (ITR-U)
If you miss the December 31, 2025 deadline, you can still file an updated return (ITR-U) up to March 31, 2030, but additional tax and penalties will apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in ITR Filing
While filing your ITR, ensure that you avoid the following common mistakes:
Missing the Deadline: Late filing can lead to penalties, interest, and loss of benefits. Always file on time to avoid these issues.
Incorrect ITR Form Selection: Filing the wrong form can lead to rejection or further queries from the tax department. Always choose the correct form based on your income type.
Inaccurate Income Reporting: Ensure that you report all your income sources, including salary, business income, and interest. Missing or under-reporting income can lead to penalties.
Failing to E-Verify the Return: E-verification is mandatory. Ensure that you complete this step after submitting your return.
Overlooking TDS/TCS Credits: Cross-check your Form 26AS to ensure that all TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source) credits are correctly reflected in your return.
How TaxBuddy Simplifies ITR Filing for AY 2025-26
TaxBuddy offers a range of services that make filing your ITR for AY 2025-26 simpler and more efficient:
Expert Assistance: TaxBuddy offers guidance from tax experts, ensuring that your return is filed correctly, whether you're a salaried individual, business owner, or NRI.
Automated Document Management: Upload and manage your tax documents securely through TaxBuddy’s platform. The app organizes and cross-verifies your documents, reducing the chance of errors.
E-Verification: TaxBuddy simplifies the e-verification process by providing easy options to verify your return via Aadhaar OTP or net banking.
Deadline Reminders: TaxBuddy’s app sends you reminders to ensure you never miss a filing deadline, keeping you stress-free throughout the year.
How to File ITR in 2025 with TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy offers a streamlined approach to ITR filing with features designed to make the process faster, simpler, and more reliable:
Easy Registration: Sign up using your PAN and basic details in minutes.
Smart Form Selection: TaxBuddy automatically suggests the correct ITR form based on your income profile.
Document Upload & Automation: Securely upload all necessary documents like Form 16, Form 26AS, and investment proofs. TaxBuddy auto-fills relevant sections, reducing manual errors.
Expert Guidance: Access support from tax experts via chat or call for any doubts or complex cases.
Real-Time Calculation: Automatic tax calculations ensure accurate reporting and help identify missed deductions.
Deadline Reminders: Receive timely alerts so you never miss a filing deadline.
Easy E-Verification: Multiple options for e-verification directly through the app or website, eliminating paperwork.
Secure & Confidential: TaxBuddy uses bank-grade security measures to protect your sensitive data.
Using TaxBuddy for ITR filing reduces confusion, accelerates the filing process, and provides peace of mind with expert-backed accuracy.
Conclusion
Filing your Income Tax Return on time is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure you are in compliance with tax regulations. The process is straightforward if you follow the necessary steps and meet deadlines. Using platforms like TaxBuddy can make tax filing hassle-free by offering expert assistance and user-friendly tools to guide you through the entire process. For anyone looking for assistance in tax filing, it is highly recommended to download the TaxBuddy mobile app for a simplified, secure, and hassle-free experience.
FAQs
Does TaxBuddy offer both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing, or only expert-assisted options?
Yes, TaxBuddy offers both self-filing and expert-assisted plans for ITR filing. The self-filing option allows users to file their returns independently using the platform's guided tools, while the expert-assisted option provides personalized support from tax professionals who help with complex filings, documentation, and queries. This flexibility allows users to choose the plan that best suits their needs, whether they prefer to file on their own or with expert assistance.
Which is the best site to file ITR?
The best site for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) depends on your specific needs. The official Income Tax Department portal (www.incometax.gov.in) is the most reliable and secure platform for filing ITR. However, platforms like TaxBuddy simplify the process with added features like step-by-step guidance, expert assistance, and document management, making the filing process easier and more user-friendly.
Where to file an income tax return?
You can file your ITR on the official Income Tax Department portal (www.incometax.gov.in). Alternatively, you can use third-party platforms like TaxBuddy, which offer a seamless filing experience with additional tools to help you file your return on time and avoid errors.
What is the last date for ITR filing for salaried individuals in AY 2025-26?
The last date for filing ITR for salaried individuals for AY 2025-26 is July 31, 2025. This deadline applies to individuals who are not required to undergo an audit. It's crucial to file your return on time to avoid penalties and ensure that any refunds are processed quickly.
Can I file my return after the due date?
Yes, you can file your return after the due date, but it will be considered a belated return. If you file your ITR after the due date but before December 31, 2025, you can still file it with a late fee. After this date, you can file an updated return (ITR-U) until March 31, 2030, but additional penalties and taxes will apply.
What documents are required to file ITR?
The key documents required to file ITR include:
PAN and Aadhaar Card
Form 16 (for salaried individuals)
Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement)
Bank statements and interest/dividend statements
Investment proofs (PPF, LIC, NPS, etc.)
Details of other income (capital gains, rental income, etc.)
Business income records (if applicable)
Having all these documents in place will ensure that your filing process is smooth and error-free.
What penalties are there for missing the ITR deadline?
Missing the ITR filing deadline can result in several penalties, including:
Late filing fee under Section 234F: ₹1,000 if your income is below ₹5 lakh, or up to ₹5,000 if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh.
Interest on outstanding tax under Section 234A: 1% per month on unpaid taxes.
Loss of benefits, such as the inability to carry forward certain losses, and delays in processing refunds.
Timely filing is crucial to avoid these penalties.
Can I file a belated return after the original deadline?
Yes, you can file a belated return after the original deadline, but you will have to pay a late filing fee. The deadline for belated returns is December 31, 2025. After this, you can still file an updated return (ITR-U) with additional taxes and penalties until March 31, 2030.
How do I choose the right ITR form?
The choice of the ITR form depends on your income type:
ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income from salary, one house property, and other sources (interest, etc.).
ITR-2: For individuals with income from capital gains, more than one house property, or foreign income.
ITR-3: For business or professional income.
ITR-4: For individuals opting for presumptive taxation under sections 44AD, 44ADA, or 44AE.
Choose the form based on your income sources to avoid errors and ensure the return is filed correctly.
What happens if I don’t e-verify my return?
E-verification is mandatory to complete the filing process. If you don’t e-verify your return, it will be considered invalid, and your filing won’t be processed. You must e-verify using one of the available methods, such as Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank account validation.
What should I do if I missed the ITR deadline for AY 2025-26?
If you miss the deadline, you can file a belated return until December 31, 2025. However, a late fee will be charged. If you miss this, you can file an updated return (ITR-U) until March 31, 2030, but additional penalties and taxes will apply. It’s best to file your return as soon as possible to minimize penalties.
Can TaxBuddy help me file a revised return if I miss the deadline?
Yes, TaxBuddy can help you file a revised return even after the deadline. If you've made errors in your original return, TaxBuddy provides expert assistance in filing the revised return (ITR-U) with the correct details and necessary documentation. TaxBuddy ensures that your revised return is filed accurately, avoiding any further complications.
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