Summary of this article
According to official figures, more than six crore ITRs have already been filed as of mid-September. Last year, a record 7.28 crore returns were filed for AY 2024–25. With no official information on extension of ITR filing due date, the income tax department has flagged fake circulars making rounds on the internet. Here's what every taxpayer must know.
A fake circular that claims the income tax filing (ITR) due date has been extended to September 30, 2025 is being circulated on social media and WhatsApp. However, the Income Tax Department has clarified that the final date to file returns for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 is September 15, 2025, and no further extension has been granted.
The fake message, which carried the Central Board of Direct Taxes’ (CBDT) name, falsely declared: “CBDT extends the due date of filing of ITRs which were due for filing by 15th September 2025.” The Income Tax Department has categorically called this fake, warning taxpayers to rely only on updates issued through its official handle @IncomeTaxIndia on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“The due date for filing ITRs remains 15.09.2025. Taxpayers are advised to rely only on official updates,” the department wrote on X.
It also reminded taxpayers that its helpdesk is working round the clock, through calls, live chats, WebEx sessions, and Twitter/X, to answer queries related to filing, payment, and verification.
What Happens If You Miss the September 15 Deadline
It is important to know that missing the ITR filing deadline can result in late fee and penalties, for instance:
Late filers would have to pay Rs 5,000 if income exceeds Rs 5 lakh; and Rs 1,000 for lower incomes (Section 234F). In case of belated returns, taxpayers have the window to fill their ITRs till December 31, 2025.
Updated returns (ITR-U) can be filed up to March 31, 2030 (within four years from the end of the concerned assessment year) with additional payment of tax. Interest of 1 per cent per month on unpaid tax is imposed under Section 234A.
Also, taxpayers must ‘e-verify’ their returns within 30 days of filing the ITRs to validate the return and make sure the refund comes.
What Last Filers Must Keep In Mind
In case you are filing your ITR today, ensure the following to avoid rush-hour mistakes:
Make sure to cross-check income details in Form 26AS and AIS/TIS
When filing under the old regime, keep your Form 16, salary slips, and deduction proofs (80C, 80D, etc.) handy
Verify bank account details for refund credit.
Double-check exemption and deduction claims (HRA, home loan, insurance).
Complete e-verification immediately after filing.
Filing Status So Far
According to official figures, more than 60 million ITRs have already been filed as of mid-September. Last year, a record 72.80 million returns were filed for AY 2024-25.
For now, the message from the tax department is clear: there is no extension. Taxpayers should ignore fake messages and complete their returns by September 15, 2025 to avoid penalties and interest.
