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Filing income tax returns (ITR) has always been a time-sensitive task for Indian taxpayers. This year, however, the situation has become particularly challenging. Traditionally, the deadline for filing ITR without audit requirements falls on July 31. But due to multiple delays, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the deadline to September 15, 2025. Now, the big question is: Will the government extend the deadline once again?

Why Filing Became Difficult This Year

In 2024, the government had released the ITR forms well in advance, giving taxpayers nearly three months to complete the filing process. For instance, ITR-1 to ITR-4 and ITR-6 were available from April 1, while ITR-5 was released in May and ITR-7 in June. This ensured that both individuals and professionals had sufficient time to prepare and file returns smoothly.

But the 2025 cycle has been completely different. ITR-2 and ITR-3 were issued only on July 11, 2025, while ITR-5, 6, and 7 became available as late as August. This left very little time for taxpayers, especially those with complex financials. In addition, persistent technical glitches on the income tax portal added to the chaos. Many tax professionals say that the system failed to support timely filing, placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers and chartered accountants.

Deadlines Creating More Pressure

As of now, CBDT has officially set September 15, 2025 as the final date for non-audit ITR filings. However, this extension hasn’t provided much real relief since the utilities came so late. Adding to the stress, the deadline for submitting tax audit reports is September 30, just two weeks after the ITR deadline.

This timeline leaves little breathing space for professionals, who must first focus on non-audit returns and then immediately switch to audit reports. On top of this, Registrar of Companies (ROC) compliance deadlines also fall around the same time. Together, these overlapping requirements have created an overwhelming workload for tax professionals across the country.

Why Experts Are Demanding an Extension

A large section of the tax fraternity is pushing for another extension. According to experts, the late release of ITR utilities has thrown the entire compliance calendar off balance. Many believe that extending the deadline would not just be a matter of convenience but also of practicality.

For instance, Himank Singla, Partner at SBHS & Associates, emphasizes that this is more than just comfort for taxpayers—it’s about ensuring accuracy and avoiding unnecessary errors caused by last-minute pressure. Chartered accountants argue that without more time, both professionals and taxpayers will struggle to file correctly, risking penalties and compliance issues.

Should You Wait for Another Extension?

While the demand for a deadline extension is growing louder, experts strongly advise taxpayers against waiting. Past experiences have shown that the income tax portal slows down or crashes near the deadline due to heavy traffic. Common issues like delayed Aadhaar OTPs, verification failures, and portal maintenance outages are especially frequent in the last few days.

Sujeet Bangar, Founder of Taxbuddy.com, warns that waiting for an extension is risky. He notes that early filing not only reduces the chances of errors but also helps taxpayers fully utilize benefits such as loss set-off and other tax credits. By filing in advance, taxpayers can save themselves from unnecessary stress and avoid missing out on valuable financial advantages.

What Taxpayers Should Do Now

At present, there has been no official announcement regarding another extension. CBDT has remained silent on the matter, leaving taxpayers uncertain. Experts suggest that instead of banking on another deadline shift, individuals should act immediately and complete their returns before September 15.

In case the deadline is extended, early filers will not lose anything. On the contrary, they will have peace of mind and ample time to prepare for other compliances like audit reports and ROC filings.

✅ Key Takeaway: While an extension of the ITR filing deadline beyond September 15, 2025 is possible, taxpayers are better off filing as soon as possible. Delaying could result in portal glitches, rushed errors, and missed benefits.