The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 is September 15, 2025. Taxpayers and Chartered Accountants are requesting the government for another deadline extension due to increasing portal traffic and technical glitches. Incorrect form selection or inaccurate information can lead to hefty penalties or legal action.
ITR filing 2025: If you have not yet filed your ITR for the financial year 2024-25, you have until September 15, 2025. Taxpayers and Chartered Accountants are appealing to the government to extend the deadline owing to high login traffic and technical issues. Filing the wrong form or providing incorrect information can result in penalties or legal proceedings. Currently, the government has not made any new announcements.
Rising Technical Glitches and Login Traffic
The Income Tax portal has been experiencing technical difficulties in recent weeks. Delays in refund status updates and prolonged ITR processing times are causing inconvenience for many taxpayers. Experts believe that under time pressure, people are more likely to fill out the wrong form or provide inaccurate information. This, in turn, raises the risk of receiving notices or penalties in the future.
According to a Livemint report, many taxpayers are now hoping for relief, expecting the government to extend the September 15 deadline. However, there have been no official indications or announcements from the government so far.
Which Form to File
ITR forms vary depending on the taxpayer's income and profession. Salaried employees typically file ITR-1 or ITR-2 forms. Business and professional taxpayers use ITR-3 or ITR-4 forms. For companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and firms, ITR-5, ITR-6, and ITR-7 forms are prescribed. Filing the incorrect form can lead to the return being invalidated and delays in refunds.
Penalties and Legal Action
Providing incorrect information while filing ITR carries the risk of penalties and legal action. If income is understated, the Income Tax Department may impose a penalty of up to 50% of the tax due. In cases of deliberate misrepresentation, the penalty can increase to 200%. Furthermore, if intentional tax evasion is detected, the Income Tax Department may initiate prosecution proceedings.
Chartered Accountants and taxpayers state that the congestion on the portal for login and technical glitches are preventing many from filing their returns on time. An extension of the deadline would provide relief to taxpayers and reduce the likelihood of errors. Experts suggest that resolving the portal's technical issues promptly and extending the deadline are both crucial.
Experience with Extensions in Previous Years
The Income Tax Department has extended deadlines on several occasions under specific circumstances. In situations involving technical difficulties, natural disasters, or pandemics, the government has provided taxpayers with additional time. This year too, taxpayers are hopeful that the government will consider an extension based on the prevailing situation.
Importance of Filing ITR on Time
It is important for taxpayers to avoid delays in filing their ITR. Filing on time not only helps in avoiding penalties but also ensures timely receipt of refunds. If a taxpayer fails to file the form on time or provides incorrect information, they risk receiving notices and incurring penalties in the future.
