The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced a one-day extension for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26. The new deadline is September 16, providing relief to taxpayers who faced last-minute technical issues on the e-filing portal.
Originally, the deadline to file returns was July 31, 2025. This was first extended to September 15, but several taxpayers reported glitches and inaccessibility during the final hours of filing.
In a late-night announcement, the Income Tax Department urged those who have not yet filed their returns to make use of the one-day extension. Officials also revealed that more than 7 crore returns have already been filed. They made it clear, however, that no further extensions should be expected.
To enable updates and smooth functioning, the e-filing portal is scheduled for maintenance between 12:00 AM and 2:30 AM on September 16. During this period, taxpayers will not be able to file or access certain utilities.
Reactions from taxpayers and professionals have been mixed. Many welcomed the short extension but criticized the lack of advance communication and recurring technical problems. Some users reported failures in submitting forms, errors in accessing the Annual Information Statement (AIS), and mismatches in pre-filled data.
The CBDT has stressed that this extension is final and was provided primarily due to technical challenges. Taxpayers who miss this deadline risk penalties under Section 234F, delayed refunds, and possible loss of certain tax benefits.
Officials reminded taxpayers to verify their returns carefully and ensure proper e-verification, as only verified returns are considered valid. They also advised cross-checking Form 26AS and related income statements before submission.
The one-day relief is aimed at preventing undue hardship for taxpayers. The government has underlined that the window closes today, urging all remaining taxpayers to complete their filings without further delay.
