ITR Deadline Extended Due to Glitches: Tax in India

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) in India for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 was extended by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) by one day to accommodate technical issues that frustrated taxpayers nationwide. 

Originally due on July 31, 2025, and later extended to September 15, the filing date saw a final extension until September 16 due to reported glitches on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal. 

With over 7 crore returns already filed, the decision acknowledged the challenges faced by last-minute filers, emphasizing the department’s commitment to facilitating compliance under Indian tax laws.

The Extension: Why and How It Happened

The ITR filing season this year has been marked by persistent technical difficulties on the official e-filing platform. Taxpayers reported slow page loading, upload errors, and system crashes as they tried to meet the September 15 deadline. 

These disruptions generated widespread frustration, prompting many to seek relief by appealing to tax authorities via social media and tax helpline channels.

Recognizing these issues, CBDT announced late on September 15 evening a one-day extension, pushing the deadline to September 16. 

This move was an exceptional step acknowledging the system glitches, allowing taxpayers who faced genuine barriers to complete their filings without penalties. The extension was communicated via official Income Tax India social media handles and press releases to ensure broad awareness.

Originally, CBDT had extended the due date from July 31 to September 15 to give taxpayers more time amid COVID-19 disruptions and other operational challenges. The additional one-day extension specifically addressed the unanticipated technical failures encountered toward the end of the window this year.

Read Also: India’s Income Tax Bill 2025: What You Need to Know

Navigating Technical Glitches During Filing

The technical problems on the Income Tax portal significantly impacted the filing process. The portal became sluggish and error-prone during peak traffic hours, particularly on the final day of filing. Taxpayers faced issues such as:

• Slow page loading and timeouts
• Errors in uploading key forms like Form 16 and ITR forms
• System crashes during submission
• Interrupted e-verification processes

In response, the Income Tax Department advised taxpayers to report issues via official email IDs and helpline numbers provided on the e-filing website. 

Professional experts recommended taxpayers to attempt filings during off-peak hours, keep all necessary documentation ready beforehand, and complete the e-verification process within 30 days even if delayed after upload.

These glitches led to a surge of complaints on social media platforms, with taxpayers calling for empathy and understanding from the department and government. 

This public outcry directly influenced the decision to extend the deadline, illustrating the department’s responsiveness to taxpayer concerns within the Indian income tax framework.

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Penalties and Consequences of Missing Deadlines

Filing income tax returns within the prescribed timeframe is critical to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with tax rules. The Income Tax Act levies fines and interest charges for delayed filings:

• A penalty of Rs 5,000 applies if income exceeds Rs 5 lakh and the return is late
• Taxpayers earning below Rs 5 lakh face a Rs 1,000 fine for late filing
• Interest at 1% per month on unpaid taxes under Section 234A accrues from the original due date until the return is filed

Beyond monetary penalties, late filing can have other significant consequences such as losing the ability to carry forward certain losses like capital or business losses to future years and restrictions on choosing between tax regimes. Timely filing ensures taxpayers can claim eligible exemptions and deductions without limitations.

Given these stakes, the extension was particularly important to help taxpayers avoid unintended non-compliance due to portal-related disruptions. It also underlines the need for taxpayers to file as early as possible to prevent last-minute technical bottlenecks.

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Tips for a Smooth ITR Filing Experience

To navigate future tax filing seasons and avoid last-minute stress, taxpayers should adopt a proactive approach:

• Start early: Begin the filing process well before the deadline to accommodate any unforeseen delays
• Prepare documents: Keep Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, and capital gains details ready
• Use reliable platforms: Opt for government-endorsed or reputed tax-filing software to minimize errors
• Cross-check details: Verify all data against Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) before submission
• E-verify promptly: Complete the mandatory e-verification step within 30 days to validate the return
• Monitor updates: Follow official tax department notifications for revised deadlines or technical alerts
• Contact helplines: Use government support channels for assistance with technical or procedural issues

These steps can reduce the impact of technical glitches and lower the risk of penalties amid complex Indian income tax rules.

Read Also: Why Calculating Income Tax Matters for Crypto Traders and Investors

Conclusion

The decision by CBDT to extend the ITR filing deadline by one day highlights the realities taxpayers face with digital tax processes and system limitations. While the department has shown flexibility in addressing genuine barriers, the experience underscores the importance of early compliance and preparation.

This extension for AY 2025-26 serves as a timely reminder of the critical balance between efficient administration and taxpayer convenience in India's complex revenue system.

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FAQ

What is the new deadline for filing ITR for AY 2025-26?

The deadline was originally July 31, 2025, extended to September 15, and further extended by one day to September 16, 2025 due to portal glitches.

Why was the Income Tax filing deadline extended?

The deadline extension was due to technical glitches on the online filing portal that prevented many taxpayers from submitting their returns on time.

What penalties apply for late ITR filing?

Penalties range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 depending on income, plus interest at 1% per month on unpaid taxes from the original due date.

Can taxpayers e-verify their returns after submitting late?

Yes, e-verification can be completed up to 30 days after submitting the return to validate the filing.

How can taxpayers avoid portal issues in future filings?

Filing early, preparing documents in advance, using trusted software, verifying details carefully, and contacting help centers in case of trouble are effective strategies.