ITR Filing Deadline 2025: What You Need to Know

September 15, 2025 is the final day to file your Income Tax Return for the financial year 2024-25 (assessment year 2025-26). Missing this date means a late fee up to Rs 5,000 plus 1% interest per month on any unpaid tax. The deadline was pushed from July 31 after the CBDT added new forms and upgraded the e‑filing system.

How to File Your Return Without a CA

Most people think they need a chartered accountant to file a return, but the government’s portal is designed for self‑filers. First, gather your Form 16, investment proofs, and bank statements. Then log in to the income tax e‑filing website, select the correct ITR form (usually ITR‑1 or ITR‑2 for individuals), and fill in the details step by step. The system validates entries in real time, so you’ll catch errors before submitting.

After you’ve entered all income and deduction data, the portal will calculate your tax liability. Pay any balance due online, and keep the receipt handy. Finally, click ‘Submit’ and verify your return using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or a digital certificate. Verification completes the filing process; without it, the return stays in ‘draft’ mode.

Key Dates and What Happens If You Miss Them

If you file after September 15 but before December 31, you can still submit a belated return. The same penalties apply, but the government allows a later window for processing. For audit cases and transfer pricing issues, the deadlines are stretched further, often into the next financial year.

Revised returns are permitted up to March 31, 2030, but only if the original filing was on time. This gives you a long runway to correct mistakes, claim missed deductions, or respond to notices from the tax department.

To avoid the stress of last‑minute filing, set a personal deadline a week before the official one. Use the tax calculator tools on the portal to estimate your liability early, and keep your documents organized in a dedicated folder. If you’re unsure about any entry, the portal’s help section or a quick call to the tax helpline can save you from costly errors.

Remember, the penalty isn’t just a fee—it can affect your credit score if the unpaid tax remains pending. Paying on time protects your financial health and keeps you eligible for future loans and credit cards without hassle.

In short, filing on your own is doable, the deadline is September 15, 2025, and the cost of missing it is far higher than the effort of doing it yourself. Grab your paperwork, log in, and cross that finish line before the clock runs out.