What is the story about?
The deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the assessment year (AY) 2025–26 ends today, September 15, 2025. Many taxpayers wait until the final hours, and several common doubts arise at this stage. Here are some key questions and answers to guide last-minute filers.
Who must file an ITR today?
The September 15 deadline applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and small businesses or professionals whose accounts do not require audit. For audit cases, the due date is later.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Taxpayers who fail to file today face a late fee of up to ₹5,000. For those with income up to ₹5 lakh, the penalty is capped at ₹1,000. Delayed filing also means losing the benefit of carrying forward certain losses and paying 1% monthly interest on pending tax dues.
How can I check if my ITR is filed successfully?
After submitting, taxpayers should receive an acknowledgment number. It’s important to complete e-verification, otherwise the ITR will be treated as invalid.
How do I e-verify my ITR?
You can verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, Demat account, or through bank account-based verification. If e-verification is not possible, you can send the signed ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Centre in Bengaluru within 120 days.
What if the income tax portal is slow?
On the last day, portal traffic is usually heavy. If the site is slow, experts advise filing during non-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.
Can I revise my return later?
If you file by the deadline, you can revise your ITR in case of mistakes. However, belated returns filed after September 15 cannot be revised.
Do I need to file if my income is below taxable limit?
Not everyone is required to file, but it is often beneficial. Even if your income is below ₹2.5 lakh (₹3 lakh under new regime), filing helps maintain financial records, makes it easier to claim refunds on TDS, and supports loan or visa applications.
How long does processing take?
Once verified, returns are usually processed in weeks. Refunds are credited directly to the bank account mentioned in the ITR.
What if I pay tax after the deadline?
If self-assessment tax is due, delayed payment attracts 1% interest per month until cleared. Filing after payment avoids further penal interest.
Why is timely filing important beyond compliance?
Apart from avoiding penalties, timely filing ensures quicker refunds, helps establish income proof for credit and financial transactions, and avoids stress from last-minute glitches.
Who must file an ITR today?
The September 15 deadline applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and small businesses or professionals whose accounts do not require audit. For audit cases, the due date is later.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Taxpayers who fail to file today face a late fee of up to ₹5,000. For those with income up to ₹5 lakh, the penalty is capped at ₹1,000. Delayed filing also means losing the benefit of carrying forward certain losses and paying 1% monthly interest on pending tax dues.
How can I check if my ITR is filed successfully?
After submitting, taxpayers should receive an acknowledgment number. It’s important to complete e-verification, otherwise the ITR will be treated as invalid.
How do I e-verify my ITR?
You can verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, Demat account, or through bank account-based verification. If e-verification is not possible, you can send the signed ITR-V form to the Centralized Processing Centre in Bengaluru within 120 days.
What if the income tax portal is slow?
On the last day, portal traffic is usually heavy. If the site is slow, experts advise filing during non-peak hours, such as early morning or late evening.
Can I revise my return later?
If you file by the deadline, you can revise your ITR in case of mistakes. However, belated returns filed after September 15 cannot be revised.
Do I need to file if my income is below taxable limit?
Not everyone is required to file, but it is often beneficial. Even if your income is below ₹2.5 lakh (₹3 lakh under new regime), filing helps maintain financial records, makes it easier to claim refunds on TDS, and supports loan or visa applications.
How long does processing take?
Once verified, returns are usually processed in weeks. Refunds are credited directly to the bank account mentioned in the ITR.
What if I pay tax after the deadline?
If self-assessment tax is due, delayed payment attracts 1% interest per month until cleared. Filing after payment avoids further penal interest.
Why is timely filing important beyond compliance?
Apart from avoiding penalties, timely filing ensures quicker refunds, helps establish income proof for credit and financial transactions, and avoids stress from last-minute glitches.
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