Income Tax News: The government has set September 15, 2025, as the final date to file ITR for the assessment year 2025–26 (for income earned in FY 2024–25). No official extension has been announced. That means if you miss it, you’re looking at:
- A late fee of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 depending on your income
- Interest on unpaid tax dues under sections 234A, 234B, and 234C
- Trouble getting loans, visas, or refunds down the line
Who Needs to File?
You need to file your ITR if:
- Your gross total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh (basic exemption limit)
- You’ve had TDS deducted and want a refund
- You’ve earned from freelancing, side gigs, crypto, or rent
- You’re carrying forward losses from shares or business
Even if you’re not legally required to file, doing so builds your financial credibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR Today
- Go to incometax.gov.in
- Login/Register using your PAN and OTP
- Click ‘File Income Tax Return’ under ‘e-File’ tab
- Choose Assessment Year 2025–26, then mode as Online
- Select your applicable ITR Form (ITR-1 for most salaried folks)
- Review pre-filled info – salary, TDS, interest, deductions
- Add missing data (rent, business income, capital gains, etc.)
- Claim deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.
- Preview, verify all details
- Click Submit
- E-verify your ITR via Aadhaar OTP, bank account, or demat account
Still Waiting for Form 16 or TDS?
If your employer hasn’t given Form 16, you can use your AIS (Annual Information Statement) and Form 26AS instead. These show what the Income Tax Department already knows about your income and TDS,very handy for last-minute filers.
