What is the story about?
Deadline Alert: December 2025 is not just another month; it is the final month of the year 2025. As the final chapter of 2025 is soon to close, several
key deadlines are approaching fast. Today is December 17, so you have only 14 days left to meet the deadline. Failure to do so in time could result in fines, penalties, and regret. From the Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline to the ITR filing deadline for tax audit cases. Here’s a quick look at major deadlines approaching to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Deadline Alert: Only 14 days left! Major tasks to complete - FULL LIST
1. ITR filing deadline for tax audit cases
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the income tax return filing deadline for tax audit cases from October 31, 2025, to December 10, 2025. This extension provides much-needed relief to taxpayers whose returns involve mandatory audits and require additional financial disclosures and updates. Note the date and file the income tax return before the deadline ends. Tomorrow is the last date, so hurry now.
2. Aadhaar-PAN linking deadline
If you obtained Aadhaar on or before October 1, 2024, you must link it with your PAN by December 31, 2025. Failing to meet this deadline will make your PAN inoperative, affecting banking transactions, income tax return filing, investments, and other financial services. To avoid disruptions, ensure your PAN-Aadhaar linkage is completed on time.
3. Belated and revised ITR Filing: Final deadline approaching
December 31, 2025, is the last date for taxpayers to file a belated or revised income tax return for FY 2024-25. A belated return can be filed if you missed the original deadline, but it comes with a late filing fee of up to Rs 5,000 (Rs 1,000 for individuals with income below Rs 5 lakh) plus interest on any unpaid tax.
A revised return, used to correct errors or omissions in an already filed ITR, can also be submitted until December 31.
After this cutoff, both options lapse. Taxpayers will then only have the choice of filing an Updated Return (ITR-U), which, while allowing correction of missed income or discrepancies, carries a far heavier penalty, an additional 25% to 50% of the tax and interest payable, depending on how late it is filed.
This makes December the final, and most cost-effective, window for those who missed earlier deadlines or need to rectify mistakes in their returns.
Also read: NPS New Rules: 10 key changes subscribers must know as PFRDA eases exit norms
