The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced a significant relief for taxpayers by extending the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26.
Originally set for July 31, 2025, the new deadline is now September 15, 2025, providing an additional 46 days for taxpayers to complete their filings. The decision, outlined in a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance on May 27, 2025, aims to ease the filing process amidst challenges posed by recent updates to ITR forms and delays in system development.
The extension comes in response to several practical difficulties taxpayers and tax professionals face. According to the CBDT, the ITR forms for AY 2025-26 have undergone significant revisions, including the restructuring of the Schedule-Capital Gain section to segregate gains by asset type.
Additionally, delays in reflecting Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) credits in Form 26AS have caused discrepancies, impacting the accuracy of filings. The CBDT also highlighted the need for further system development to accommodate these changes, which has delayed the release of filing utilities.
Taxpayers are advised to use the additional time to ensure accurate filings, particularly in light of the updated ITR forms. A formal notification regarding the extension is expected soon, and the CBDT has urged stakeholders to plan their compliance activities accordingly.
For now, this extension offers a window of opportunity for taxpayers to navigate the complexities of the revised tax framework with greater ease.
Kind Attention Taxpayers!
CBDT has decided to extend the due date of filing of ITRs, which are due for filing by 31st July 2025, to 15th September 2025
This extension will provide more time due to significant revisions in ITR forms, system development needs, and TDS credit… pic.twitter.com/MggvjvEiOP
— Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) May 27, 2025
