The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 by one day, making September 16, 2025 the new last date. 

Just before midnight at about 11.48 the the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in a post on X, "The due date for filing of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for AY 2025-26, originally due on 31st July 2025, was extended to 15th September 2025. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has decided to further extend the due date for filing these ITRs for AY 2025-26 from 15th September, 2025 to 16th September, 2025. To enable changes in the utilities, the e- filing portal will remain in maintenance mode from 12:00 AM  to 02:30AM on 16th September 2025."

As per CBDT a record over 7.3 crore ITRs were filed till September 15, surpassing last year’s 7.28 crore.

The CBDT made the announcement late on September 15 after chartered accountants and taxpayers raised concerns about portal slowdowns and difficulties in submitting documents. To carry out necessary updates, the portal will undergo maintenance from midnight to 2.30 am on September 16.

The extension offers immediate relief to those affected by disruptions, with over seven crore ITRs already filed by late September 15. A large number of taxpayers were still facing issues as the deadline neared. Tax experts have cautioned that late filing after the revised date will invite penalties and interest under Sections 234A and 234F of the Income Tax Act. In addition, taxpayers who miss the deadline will lose the option to carry forward certain losses.

To address common access problems, the Income Tax Department has advised users to clear browser cache and cookies. The helpdesk will continue to function round the clock to support taxpayers with filing or related issues. The department has also urged people not to rely on unverified reports suggesting any further extension beyond September 16 and to follow only official updates.

With the new deadline in place, taxpayers have been given an additional day to comply with filing requirements, ensuring smoother submission despite earlier technical hurdles.