New Delhi, September 15, 2025 : The final day for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 has arrived. After an earlier extension from July 31 to September 15, the Income Tax Department has clarified that there will be no further extension, urging taxpayers to complete their filings before midnight to avoid penalties and legal consequences.
Final Deadline: September 15, 2025
Initially set for July 31, the ITR deadline was extended to September 15 due to “structural and content revisions” in the ITR forms introduced in late April and early May. These revisions required updates to the filing utilities and back-end systems.
However, contrary to some fake messages circulating on social media, the department has not extended the due date to September 30. In an official statement shared on its verified handle @IncomeTaxIndia, the department warned citizens against believing unverified sources and reaffirmed that September 15 is the final deadline.
24×7 Help for Taxpayers
To assist taxpayers and ensure smooth filing, the IT Department’s helpdesk is operating round the clock—offering support via:
- Calls
- Live chat
- WebEx sessions
- Official updates on Twitter/X
So far, over 6 crore ITRs have been filed, marking a significant milestone and showcasing an encouraging level of public participation in the tax process.
Why Timely ITR Filing Matters
1. Strengthens the Nation’s Economy
Filing income tax returns on time helps the government maintain a steady flow of revenue, which is used to fund public services, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, defence, and welfare schemes. It is through this collected tax that the country invests in inclusive growth and national progress.
2. Promotes Transparency and Accountability
Filing ITRs contributes to building a more transparent and accountable tax system. It ensures that every eligible citizen contributes fairly, which reduces dependence on indirect taxes and brings more equity to the system.
3. Empowers Citizens
Filing returns, even for those below the taxable limit, provides various benefits:
- Acts as proof of income
- Helps in getting loans, visas, and subsidies
- Allows carry-forward of losses
- Facilitates quicker refunds if excess tax is paid
4. Boosts Business Confidence
A compliant tax environment builds investor confidence—both domestic and foreign. It ensures policy stability and supports India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, by encouraging entrepreneurship and formal business growth.
5. Supports Development at Every Level
From building rural roads to funding smart city projects, tax compliance enables the government to allocate resources efficiently and work towards balanced regional development.
Message from the Tax Department
In a post thanking citizens, the IT Department said:
“Thank you taxpayers & tax professionals for helping us reach the milestone of 6 crore ITRs as of now and still counting. We urge all those who haven’t filed ITR for AY 2025-26 to file at the earliest to avoid last-minute rush. Let’s continue this momentum!”
Don’t Fall for Misinformation
The Income Tax Department has also issued a clear warning against misleading posts claiming another extension:
“A fake news is in circulation stating that the due date of filing ITRs has been further extended to September 30. The due date remains September 15, 2025.”
Conclusion: A Civic Duty That Powers the Nation
Filing your ITR is more than a legal formality—it’s a civic responsibility. Every timely return contributes to the nation’s growth, good governance, and social welfare. As India continues to digitize and modernize its financial systems, the role of taxpayers becomes even more crucial.
By participating in the tax ecosystem, citizens help shape a more self-reliant, transparent, and prosperous India.