Income Tax Department Extends ITR Filing Deadline To September 16

New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has extended the due date for filing the Income Tax Return (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26. The decision to extend the last date of filing the ITR came up on the eve of a critical deadline, when the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) threw taxpayers a lifeline by extending the due date for filing returns for the Assessment Year 2025-26.

The deadline, previously set at September 15th, has now been pushed to September 16, as per an official announcement. The extension came as a surprise after the income tax department denied any further prolongation of the deadline beyond September 15 on the preceding Sunday.

The original deadline for filing ITRs for AY 2025-26 was 31st July 2025, which was extended to September 15. Amidst rumours on social media suggesting a further extension to September 30, the department moved to quash such claims. In a stern statement, the department cautioned taxpayers against being misled by unverified posts, stressing the importance of relying solely on updates from its verified handle.

The department further assured that its helpdesk is operational round the clock to assist taxpayers with ITR filing, tax payments, and associated services.

Adding a note of achievement amidst this deadline drama, the income tax department had disclosed on Saturday that an impressive tally of over 6 crore ITRs had already been filed for the AY 2025-26.

In a post on X, the department conveyed gratitude to taxpayers and tax professionals for their contribution in attaining this noteworthy milestone. "Thank you taxpayers & tax professionals for helping us reach the milestone of 6 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) as of now and still counting. We urge all those who haven't filed ITR for AY 2025-26 to file at the earliest to avoid a last-minute rush. Let's continue this momentum!" the department had expressed.

Meanwhile, the sudden extension of the deadline by the CBDT added an unexpected twist, affording taxpayers an additional day to ensure their returns are filed in order. The taxpayers, with the income tax department maintaining a vigilant stance against misinformation and encouraging timely filings to avert a last-minute scramble, are now bracing for the slightly extended yet impending deadline of September 16.