Personal Finance & Taxation – ITR Filing Deadline Sep 15 2025 Explained

India’s tax season is back and the calendar shows a hard stop on September 15, 2025 for most individual taxpayers. Miss it and you’ll face a late fee that can climb up to ₹5,000, plus a 1% interest charge every month on the tax you owe. That’s why it’s worth knowing exactly what the deadline means, how to file without a chartered accountant, and what options you have if you slip up.

Why September 15 matters and what’s at stake

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) gave us an extra two months after the original July 31 deadline because the new ITR‑2 and ITR‑3 forms caused a lot of confusion. That extension was meant to be a one‑off relief, not a regular habit. The board hasn’t hinted at another push‑out, so September 15 is effectively final.

If you file after the deadline, Section 234F kicks in. The penalty starts at ₹1,000 for a return filed up to two months late and jumps to ₹5,000 if you’re more than two months behind. On top of that, any tax you still owe earns interest at 1% per month (Section 234A). The total cost can quickly outpace the tax you actually owe, especially for small savers.

Good news: the government still allows belated and revised returns until December 31, 2025. That window gives you a chance to correct mistakes or add missed income, but it doesn’t erase the penalties for late filing. So the safest bet is to get everything done before September 15.

How to file your return quickly – no CA needed

Most people think they need a chartered accountant to navigate the new forms, but the Income Tax Department’s mobile app and the online portal now pre‑fill a lot of data. Your PAN, bank details, and Form 16 (if you’re a salaried employee) are automatically pulled in, leaving you to confirm figures and add any other income such as interest or rental earnings.

Here’s a quick step‑by‑step you can follow on your phone:

• Download the “Income Tax India” app from the Play Store or App Store.
• Log in with your PAN, Aadhaar OTP, and password.
• Select the appropriate ITR form (ITR‑1 for most salaried taxpayers).
• Review the pre‑filled sections – verify salary, TDS, and house property income.
• Add any missing details like capital gains, foreign income, or deductions under Chapter VI‑A.
• Validate the return; the app will flag errors before you submit.
• Pay any tax due online and submit the e‑verification (usually via Aadhaar OTP).

The whole process takes about 20‑30 minutes if you have your documents ready. If you run into a glitch, the portal’s “Help” section offers step‑by‑step screenshots, and you can also call the tax helpline for quick assistance.

For those who prefer a desktop, the same steps apply on the Income Tax e‑filing website. Just make sure your browser is up to date and you’ve cleared cache, because the portal can be temperamental during peak hours.

Remember, filing early not only avoids penalties but also gives you time to plan any tax‑saving investments before the financial year ends. If you’re close to the deadline and still unsure, consider a quick consult with a tax professional – even a 30‑minute call can save you thousands in fees.

Bottom line: September 15 is the line in the sand for AY 2025‑26. Use the mobile app, double‑check the pre‑filled data, and hit submit well before the deadline. That way you stay out of the penalty zone and keep more money in your pocket for the next financial year.