ITR Filing Deadline: Key Dates & Practical Tips
If you earn any income in India, the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline is a date you can’t ignore. Missing it means penalties, interest, and a lot of needless stress. In this guide we’ll tell you the exact deadline for the current financial year, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re done well before the clock runs out.
When is the ITR deadline this year?
For most individuals, the deadline falls on 31 July of the assessment year. That means if you’re filing for the financial year 2024‑25, you have until 31 July 2025 to submit your return. The government sometimes extends the date, but it’s safest to plan for the original deadline. Salaried employees, pensioners and those with simple tax situations usually follow this schedule.
Who gets a different deadline?
Businesses, professionals and taxpayers who need a tax audit have a tighter timeline – typically 30 September. If your total sales or turnover exceed the audit threshold (₹10 crore for most businesses), the audit requirement pushes the filing date back by two months. Also, if you’re filing a revised return, you have up to one year from the original filing date.
Why filing on time matters
Late filing attracts a penalty of ₹5,000 for each missed deadline, and if the return is delayed for over three months, the penalty can double. Interest on any unpaid tax also piles up daily. Beyond the money, a delayed ITR can affect loan approvals, visa applications, and even your credit score because many institutions check your tax compliance.
Step‑by‑step: How to file before the deadline
1. Collect all documents – Form 16, interest certificates, investment proofs, and any TDS statements.
2. Choose the right ITR form – Most salaried people use ITR‑1, while freelancers often need ITR‑4 or ITR‑3.
3. Use the government portal – Log in to the Income Tax e‑File portal with your Aadhaar‑linked credentials.
4. Fill in details accurately – Double‑check numbers, especially deductions under sections 80C, 80D, etc.
5. Validate and submit – The system will flag missing fields; fix them, then hit ‘Submit’.
6. Verify the return – You can verify instantly using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed ITR‑V form to the CPC.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Many people forget to include income from side gigs or interest earned on fixed deposits. Always run a quick check of bank statements for any missed interest. Another frequent error is mismatched PAN details; a typo can reject the whole filing. Keep your PAN handy and copy‑paste where possible. Finally, don’t leave verification for the last day – a server outage can derail your plans.
Quick checklist for a smooth filing
- Gather Form 16, 16A, 16B, and investment proofs.
- Confirm your PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details.
- Select the correct ITR form.
- Calculate total taxable income and tax liability.
- Pay any tax due before filing.
- Submit and verify the return before 31 July (or 30 September for audits).
By following these steps, you’ll avoid penalties and keep your financial record clean. Remember, the deadline isn’t flexible for most taxpayers, so start early, double‑check everything, and hit that submit button well before the clock strikes midnight on the due date.
