New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 from July 31 to September 15, 2025. The move follows recent structural changes to ITR forms and delays in the reflection of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) credits, both of which affected the normal filing timeline.
In a press release issued on Monday, the CBDT said, “The notified ITRs for AY 2025–26 have undergone structural and content revisions aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and enabling accurate reporting.” It noted that these revisions required additional time for development, integration, and testing of the relevant filing utilities.
The statement added that TDS statements, which form the basis for many taxpayers’ credit claims, are due for filing by May 31. However, such credits typically begin reflecting only in early June—leaving a shortened and often impractical window for accurate filing under the original July 31 deadline.
“To facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, it has been decided that the due date for filing of ITRs, originally due on 31st July 2025, is extended to 15th September 2025,” the Board said. It confirmed that a formal notification regarding the extension would be issued separately.
The extension is expected to address concerns raised by individuals and tax professionals about the limited window for filing returns with fully updated TDS data. It also aims to give taxpayers sufficient time to review their returns thoroughly and avoid last-minute errors.
Experts say the new timeline should ease pressure on salaried employees and small businesses, many of whom depend on accurate TDS credit visibility before completing their filings.
Taxpayers are advised to use the additional time to verify details, reconcile TDS credits, and file returns well before the new deadline.
