ITR Filing Deadline Extended: Taxpayers Get One Extra Day to File Without Penalty

Delhi Desk: The government has given taxpayers a small but important relief — the deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year 2025-26 has been extended by one day. Instead of September 15, taxpayers can now submit their returns until Tuesday, September 16, 2025, without paying any penalty.

Why Was the Deadline Extended?

According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the extension was announced after several users faced technical glitches on the e-filing portal during the last day of filing. The portal saw an unusual surge in traffic on September 15, as it coincided with the due date for the second installment of advance tax payments, putting additional pressure on the system.

The department also noted that the e-filing platform was placed in maintenance mode between 12:00 am and 2:30 am on Tuesday to carry out certain updates, which further impacted smooth access.

What Happened on the Portal?

Many users complained of login failures and slow processing.

The Income Tax department had issued troubleshooting tips (clearing cache, switching networks, etc.), but several users continued to face problems.

In order to avoid penalizing taxpayers for issues beyond their control, the CBDT extended the deadline.

ITR Filing Numbers

Despite the glitches, the response has been strong. By September 15, over 7.3 crore ITRs had already been filed, surpassing last year’s record of 7.28 crore returns during the same period. The steady rise in filings highlights both growing compliance and improved awareness among taxpayers.

What Taxpayers Should Do Now

File your return by September 16, 2025, to avoid late fees.

Keep essential documents ready — Form 16, Form 26AS, bank details, and investment proofs.

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Quick Facts (for easy reading)

New due date: September 16, 2025 (Tuesday)

Old due date: September 15, 2025 (Monday)

Reason for extension: Portal glitches and heavy traffic

ITRs filed so far: 7.3 crore+