Income Tax Return Filing Last Date 2025: Guide for Beginners (FY 2024-25)

Filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) is a critical responsibility for every taxpayer in India. It ensures compliance with tax laws, helps you claim refunds, and supports financial planning. For understanding theIncome Tax Return Filing Last Date process, especially the deadlines, can feel overwhelming. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the ITR filing deadline for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, to September 15, 2025, from the original July 31, 2025, for non-audit taxpayers.

1. Understand the ITR Filing Deadline for FY 2024-25

The CBDT extended the ITR filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers to September 15, 2025, due to significant updates in ITR forms and system enhancements. This applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and small businesses not requiring an audit. Missing this deadline can lead to penalties under Section 234F (up to ₹5,000) and interest under Section 234A. If you miss the September deadline, you can file a belated return by December 31, 2025, but expect additional fees and interest.

Tip: Mark September 15, 2025, on your calendar to avoid last-minute stress. File early to ensure smooth processing and faster refunds.

2. Know Who Must File an ITR

you might wonder if you need to file an ITR. Here’s a quick checklist of who must file for FY 2024-25:

Individuals: If your gross total income exceeds the basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh for individuals below 60, ₹3 lakh for senior citizens, ₹5 lakh for super senior citizens).
Residents with Foreign Assets: If you own assets abroad, have signing authority in overseas accounts, or are a beneficiary of foreign assets.
High Spenders: If you deposit over ₹1 crore in current accounts, spend more than ₹2 lakh on foreign travel, or pay electricity bills exceeding ₹1 lakh annually.
Businesses and Professionals: Companies, partnership firms, and those under presumptive taxation (e.g., Sections 44AD, 44ADA) must file regardless of income.

External Link: Learn more about ITR applicability on the Income Tax Department’s official website.

3. Choose the Right ITR Form

Selecting the correct ITR form is crucial. The Income Tax Department offers seven ITR forms, and picking the wrong one can lead to errors. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the main forms for FY 2024-25:

ITR-1 (Sahaj): For resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, or other sources (e.g., interest) and long-term capital gains up to ₹1.25 lakh.
ITR-2: For individuals or HUFs with income from capital gains but no business income.
ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs, or firms with business income up to ₹50 lakh under presumptive taxation.
ITR-5, ITR-6, ITR-7: For partnerships, companies, trusts, or charitable institutions.

Tip: Use the ClearTax ITR form guide to confirm which form suits your income sources.

4. Gather Essential Documents Before Filing

To file your ITR accurately, collect these documents:

Form 16: Provided by your employer, detailing salary and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
Form 26AS: A consolidated statement of TDS, advance tax, and other tax credits. Cross-check it with Form 16.
Aadhaar and PAN: Mandatory for e-filing. Aadhaar enrolment ID is no longer accepted.
Bank Statements: For interest income or high-value transactions.
Investment Proofs: For deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, etc.
Capital Gains Details: If you sold shares, property, or mutual funds.

Pro Tip: Wait until June 15, 2025, to file, as TDS details from the last quarter (January–March 2025) may not reflect in Form 26AS until early June.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes to Prevent Notices

Beginners often make errors that attract Income Tax Department notices. Here’s how to avoid them:

Verify Form 26AS and AIS: Cross-check TDS and financial transactions in your Annual Information Statement (AIS) to avoid mismatches.
Declare All Income: Report all sources, including interest, rent, or capital gains, to avoid penalties (50–200% of tax liability).
Choose the Correct Tax Regime: The new tax regime offers lower rates but fewer deductions. The old regime suits those with significant HRA or investment deductions.
File Before the Deadline: Late filing triggers penalties and delays refunds.

External Link: Read about common ITR mistakes on The Economic Times.

6. Understand Penalties for Late Filing

Missing the September 15, 2025, deadline doesn’t mean you’re out of options, but it comes with costs:

Late Filing Fee: Up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F for belated returns filed by December 31, 2025.
Interest on Unpaid Tax: 1% per month under Section 234A if you owe taxes.
Loss of Benefits: You may lose the ability to carry forward losses or claim certain exemptions if you file late.

Tip: Use platforms like IndiaFilings for expert assistance to file on time and avoid penalties.

7. Leverage Technology for Easy Filing

The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in) simplifies ITR filing for beginners. Follow these steps:

Register or log in using your PAN.
Select Assessment Year 2025-26 and the appropriate ITR form.
Fill in pre-populated details (PAN, Aadhaar, bank details) and verify them.
Upload Form 16 or manually enter income and deduction details.
Pay any due tax via net banking or UPI.
Verify your return using Aadhaar OTP or other methods within 30 days.

External Link: Try ClearTax’s e-filing platform for a user-friendly ITR filing experience.

8. Plan for Refunds and Advance Tax

Filing on time ensures faster refunds, typically processed within 7–20 days if your return is error-free and your bank account is pre-validated. If you owe taxes, pay advance tax in installments (due dates for FY 2024-25 are yet to be updated). Missing advance tax deadlines incurs interest under Sections 234B and 234C.

Tip: Pre-validate your bank account on the e-filing portal to avoid refund delays.

9. Stay Updated on ITR Form Changes

The ITR forms for AY 2025-26 include updates from the Finance Act 2024:

Separate reporting for capital gains before and after July 23, 2024.
Capital loss from share buybacks is now allowed if reported as dividend income.
Asset reporting is mandatory only if total income exceeds ₹1 crore (up from ₹50 lakh).
Enhanced disclosure for deductions like Sections 80C and 10(13A).

External Link: Check the latest ITR form changes on Times of India.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you’re unsure about ITR filing, consult a chartered accountant or use trusted platforms like Bajaj Finserv or ClearTax. These services guide beginners through complex deductions, capital gains, or business income reporting.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) by the extended deadline of September 15, 2025, is crucial to stay compliant and avoid penalties. Beginners should gather documents early, choose the right ITR form, and leverage online tools for a hassle-free experience. By following this guide, you can file confidently, claim eligible deductions, and ensure timely refunds. Start preparing now to meet the deadline and keep your financial records in order!

Call to Action

Ready to file your ITR? Visit the Income Tax e-Filing Portal or explore ClearTax for step-by-step guidance. Share this guide with friends to help them file on time!