No More Extensions, Just Exceptions: CBDT Seals the ITR Portal for AY 2025–26

India’s Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025–26 officially ended on September 16, 2025, following a last-minute extension by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Originally set for September 15, the deadline was pushed by one day due to technical glitches and overwhelming traffic on the e-filing portal. The extension allowed lakhs of taxpayers to complete their filings, pushing the total number of returns filed to a record-breaking 7.3 crore.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the final filing phase, the reasons behind the extension, and what taxpayers need to know going forward.

Why the Deadline Was Extended

1. The original due date for non-audit taxpayers was July 31, 2025, but it was extended to September 15 due to backend changes in ITR forms and utility updates.

2. As the September 15 deadline approached, users reported widespread issues accessing the portal, uploading returns, and completing payments.

3. In response, the CBDT granted a one-day extension to September 16, citing the need to accommodate last-minute filers and resolve technical bottlenecks.

4. The portal was placed under maintenance between midnight and 2:30 AM on September 16 to implement necessary fixes and ensure smoother access.

Record-Breaking Compliance

1. Over 7.3 crore ITRs were filed by the extended deadline, surpassing last year’s figure of 7.28 crore.

2. Of these, more than 6.03 crore returns were verified and nearly 4 crore were processed by the Income Tax Department.

3. The surge in filings was attributed to aggressive outreach, frequent reminders, and improved digital infrastructure.

4. The department expressed gratitude to taxpayers and professionals for their timely compliance, noting the milestone as a sign of growing tax awareness.

What Happens If You Missed the Deadline

1. Taxpayers who failed to file by September 16 can still submit a belated return until December 31, 2025.

2. However, late filers will face penalties under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act—up to Rs 5,000, capped at Rs 1,000 for individuals with income below Rs 5 lakh.

3. Interest will also be charged on outstanding tax dues, and refunds may be delayed.

4. Additionally, late filers lose the ability to carry forward certain losses, such as capital gains or business losses.

5. To complete the filing, taxpayers must also e-verify their returns using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed ITR-V form to the CPC in Bengaluru within 120 days.

Key Filing Tips and Reminders

- Always cross-check Form 26AS before filing to ensure TDS and income details match.  
- Use updated browsers and clear cache to avoid portal glitches.  
- Choose the correct ITR form based on income type and filing status.  
- Review pre-filled data carefully and edit where necessary.  
- Opt for e-verification immediately to avoid delays in processing.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Taxpayers

1. With the filing window closed, the focus now shifts to processing refunds, resolving mismatches, and preparing for audit cases.

2. The Income Tax Department is expected to release refund updates and notices over the coming weeks.

3. Taxpayers should monitor their email and portal dashboard for any communication regarding discrepancies or additional documentation.

4. For those planning to revise their returns, the window remains open until December 31, 2025.

Conclusion: A Deadline That Delivered

The ITR filing deadline for AY 2025–26 may have ended with a last-minute extension, but it marked a significant milestone in India’s tax compliance journey. With over 7.3 crore returns filed, the surge reflects both improved digital access and growing taxpayer engagement. As the post-filing phase begins, timely verification and vigilance will ensure smooth processing and faster refunds.

Sources: Times of India, CNBC TV18, Mint.