ITR Filing Deadline 15 September 2025: What Every Taxpayer Must Know

The income tax return (ITR) filing deadline is around the corner. This year, 15 September 2025, is the final date for filing your ITR, (extended from the usual 31 July). This extension is relevant for non-audit cases which includes filers under ITR‑1 to ITR‑4.

However, unlike the extensions we have seen in the past, there’s little indication the government will push the deadline further. For taxpayers, this means there are just a few days left to get everything in order.

Filing income tax returns is more than just a compliance exercise; it also sets the score for your financial footprints. It comes in handy for loan and visa applications, and also ensures you get a refund on taxes paid.

What Has Changed This Year

The tax filing process has not been turned upside down, but there are some notable tweaks:

Revised slabs in the new regime: The government continues to nudge taxpayers toward the simplified new tax regime. Slabs have been adjusted, and while the default option is now the new regime, you can still choose the old one. But remember, if you want to stick to the old system with deductions and exemptions, you need to opt in actively.

Income Tax slabs relevant for FY25 and assessment year 2025-26 are as follows:

New Tax Regime:

Rs 0-3 lakh - Nil

Rs 3-7 lakh - 5 per cent

Rs 7-10 lakh - 10 per cent

Rs 10-12 lakh - 15 per cent

Rs 12-15 lakh - 20 per cent

Above Rs 15 lakh - 30 per cent

Old Tax Regime:

Up to Rs 2.5 Lakh - Nil

Rs 2.5 - 5 lakh - 5 per cent

Rs 5 - 10 lakh -20 per cent

Above Rs 10 lakh -30 per cent

Reporting requirements tightened: Income from digital assets, like crypto, has its own reporting slot, while foreign bank account interest must be disclosed separately. This push for more granular reporting is meant to plug gaps, but it also means taxpayers need to be more careful about categorising income correctly.

Higher standard deduction: Salaried individuals get a bit of relief here, as the deduction amount has been raised. It doesn’t overhaul your tax outgo, but it softens the edges a little.

Old Tax Regime: Rs 50,000

New Tax Regime: Rs 75,000

Penalties and timelines: The late filing penalty remains, but the window for belated returns is shorter. If you miss the 15 September deadline, you could lose the option to correct mistakes through a revised return.

Read this story to understand the extent of penalties and interest on taxes unpaid by the original due date. Click Here.

Why Timely Filing Still Matters

For many, the biggest motivator for filing on time is avoiding penalties. But there are subtler advantages. If you have had capital losses this year, timely filing ensures you can carry them forward to offset future gains.

Avoiding mismatches is also important amidst last-minute panics of filing returns near to the deadline. The Income Tax Department now cross-checks your returns against Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS). If there are any gaps between ITR like missed interest income or misreported TDS, you could end up with a tax notice.

Filing Without Last-Minute Stress

Most taxpayers now use the online portal, which is more user-friendly than it used to be, but the basics remain the same. It would be better to:

• Go through your Form 26AS and AIS carefully before you start.

• Keep your salary slips, investment proofs, and bank statements handy.

• Use pre-filled ITR forms as a starting point, but don’t assume they’re flawless—check every figure.

• If you are opting for the old regime, don’t forget to submit Form 10-IE along with your return.

The rush in the final days often slows the portal down, which makes procrastination even riskier.

The Bottom Line

The 15 September deadline is not just another compliance date; it ties directly to how cleanly your finances are recorded for the year. Timely filing saves you from penalties, protects your ability to carry forward tax benefits, and makes refund claims smoother.

Changes that happened last year like new slabs, and tighter disclosures this year combined with limited revision windows make it even more important not to wait until the last minute. For most taxpayers, the groundwork is already in place, the key now is to review, file, and move past the deadline without last-minute anxiety.