ITR Filing 2025: Will the Deadline Be Extended Again?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With only a few weeks left until the first major deadline, there’s a lot of talk about whether the ITR filing due date for Assessment Year 2025-26 will be pushed back. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation.
The Current Deadlines
As of now, these are the official deadlines to keep in mind:
- September 15, 2025: This is the deadline for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not require an audit. This date was already extended from the original July 31st deadline.
- October 31, 2025: This deadline applies to taxpayers who do require an audit, which includes companies and working partners in firms.
- November 30, 2025: This is the deadline for those who have international or specific domestic transactions that require a report under Section 92E.
Why Taxpayers Are Asking for an Extension
The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), along with other professional bodies, has formally requested that the CBDT extend the deadlines. The main reasons for their request are:
- Delayed Utility Releases: The necessary ITR forms and utilities were released much later than usual. For example, the ITR-5 form was released on August 8th, and the ITR-6 Excel Utility was released on August 15th. The utility for ITR-7 is still not available. This has left taxpayers and professionals with very little time to prepare.
- Frequent Software Issues: The e-filing portal has reportedly faced issues like slow performance, frequent glitches, and slow software updates, which further complicate the filing process.
- New Reporting Requirements: Recent changes, such as the new format for financial statements for non-corporate entities, add to the preparation time required.
What to Do Now
While the request for an extension is strong, the government has not made any official announcement to extend the deadlines. Therefore, it’s crucial to assume that the current dates are final.
To avoid last-minute stress, potential penalties, and technical issues, it is highly recommended to complete your filing as soon as possible. It’s always best to be prepared and file on time rather than waiting for an extension that may not happen.
