Four reasons why Govt has not extended ITR filing due date to September 30

Here's a look at four reasons why the CBDT has not extended the due date:

The Government has already extended the ITR due date for AY 2025-26 from July 31 to September 15 for non-audit cases. This extension was announced in May 2025.

The government could have extended the deadline further if there was a major glitch on the Income Tax portal for a longer period. However, nothing like that happened even as taxpayers often complained of minor glitches on the e-filing portal before the September 15 deadline.

"Could there still be a last-minute surprise? Well, only if something major happens, like a system crash or widespread glitches. Otherwise, the government’s message is simple: stick to the date," said Deepesh Chheda, Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP.

He further said that an extension typically comes into play only when the system faces major hurdles, such as portal glitches or heavy last-minute traffic that make filing difficult for many taxpayers.

"Pressure from professional bodies can also influence decisions. But unless a significant disruption occurs, the government appears set on keeping the ITR deadline on September 15, 2025," Chhedda added.

The deadline was, however, extended by another 24 hours from September 15 to September 16 as the ITR e-filing portal saw a massive rush and glitches on Monday, September 15.

Chheda further said that another extension might give taxpayers a little extra breathing room, but for the government, it only means delays in tax collections, slower refunds, and a dent in the seriousness of deadlines.

By September 15 deadline, around 7.3 crore returns were already filed by taxpayers, according to PTI. With the kind of rush seen on the Income Tax website on September 15, the number of ITRs filed has already crossed the 7.28 crore returns recorded by July 31 deadline in 2024.

By 6 pm on Monday, over 7 crore returns were filed.

"More than 7 crore ITRs have been filed so far and still counting (15th September)! We extend our gratitude to taxpayers and tax professionals for helping us reach this milestone, and urge all those who haven't filed ITR for AY 2025-26, to file their ITR," the Income Tax department posted on X.

What should taxpayers do?

Taxpayers should not wait for another extension and file their returns as soon as possible.

Do not delay your ITR filing, hoping that another extension will follow.

There is now one more day before the end of the deadline.