National Desk | New Delhi – Today, September 15, 2025, marks the final deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26. The Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal witnessed a massive rush of taxpayers trying to submit their returns on the last day.
If you fail to file your ITR by today, you may face penalties, late-filing complications, and even legal consequences. Here’s a detailed look at what happens if you miss the deadline.
Deadline Extended Once, But No More
Originally, the due date for filing ITR for Financial Year 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) was July 31, 2025. The government had extended it to September 15, 2025, considering taxpayers’ convenience. However, despite repeated appeals on social media citing technical glitches, the department has made it clear that no further extensions will be granted.
What Happens If You Don’t File by Today?
As per Section 234F of the Income Tax Act:
- A penalty of up to ₹5,000 will be levied for late filing.
- If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the penalty is ₹1,000.
- For income above ₹5 lakh, the penalty remains ₹5,000.
Even after paying the penalty, you can still file a Belated ITR for FY 2024–25 until December 31, 2025.
But the risks don’t end there. If your income is taxable and you fail to file, the consequences can be severe. According to an Economic Times report, in 2024, a Delhi woman was sentenced to jail for not filing her ITR. If you fail to submit even a belated return by December 31, the department can initiate prosecution.
Higher Scrutiny and Delayed Refunds
Missing the deadline not only invites penalties but also causes significant delays in processing tax refunds. You may also come under stricter scrutiny by the Income Tax Department, which could flag you as a high-risk taxpayer.
Moreover, late or non-filing can impact your ability to secure loans, visas, or other financial services. Tax experts strongly advise logging into the portal immediately and filing your return. If you face technical issues, use the department’s helpline without delay.
Bottom Line: Missing the deadline can snowball into serious legal and financial complications. If you haven’t filed your ITR yet, act fast—today is your last chance.
