The countdown has begun; 15th September 2025 is the final income tax deadline to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26). The government had already extended the due date from 31st July to 15th September, giving taxpayers extra time to adapt to updated ITR forms and updates on the income tax portal. But this time, no further extensions are expected. Missing the date could mean late fees under Section 234F, interest charges, and delayed refunds.
If you still haven’t filed your income tax return, don’t panic. Use this last-minute ITR filing checklist to get your documents in order, avoid common mistakes, and file your ITR smoothly before the due date.
1. Double-Check If You Must File by 15th September
Who needs to file: Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), AOPs, or BOIs not covered under audit requirements must submit their ITR by 15th September 2025. This includes most salaried professionals, pensioners, freelancers, and small business owners.
Who has extra time: If your accounts are subject to a tax audit, your ITR filing deadline extends to 31st October 2025. For those involved in international or domestic transfer pricing, the final tax return due date is 30th November 2025.
2. Gather All the Necessary Documents
Keep the following ready:
- PAN & Aadhaar
- Form 16 (Parts A & B) from employer(s) or income sources
- Use Form 26AS and AIS to verify TDS details and resolve any mismatches.
- Investment proofs for Section 80C, 80D, etc.
- Bank/account statements for interest, rentals, or income listings
- Last year’s ITR form for consistency
3. Ensure You’re Using the Correct ITR Form
Selecting the right income tax return form is crucial.
ITR-1 – For salaried individuals, pensioners, and those with one house property.
ITR-2 – For individuals with business, capital gains, or multiple income sources
Using the wrong ITR form can make your return invalid, which may delay its processing and hold up your tax refund.
And if you are confused about which ITR form applies to you or how to report multiple income sources? Don’t stress — Ashvvy Investments can guide you through the process, help you choose the right form, reconcile your AIS data, and file your ITR on time so you don’t miss the deadline.
4. Reconcile Income with AIS and 26AS
The Annual Information Statement (AIS) tracks dividends, interest, mutual fund transactions, securities trades, and even high-value spends. Cross-check all income sources with AIS and Form 26AS before you submit. This step ensures your ITR filing matches government records, reducing the risk of scrutiny.
5. Report All Sources of Income
A common mistake during last-minute filing is ignoring smaller income streams. These include:
- Interest from savings accounts (taxable under “Income from Other Sources”)
- Fixed deposit interest
- Freelance or side income
- Rental income
- Dividend income from stocks and mutual funds
Remember, even if these amounts are small, they must be disclosed. Non-reporting may trigger a mismatch with AIS.
6. Verify Bank Account and Contact Details
Make sure your bank account is pre-validated on the ITR portal to receive refunds quickly. Incorrect details could delay your refund processing.
7. Do e-Verification on Time to Complete the Filing
After you file your ITR, complete e-verification through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC. Filing is incomplete without verification.
8. Compare Old vs New Tax Regime Before Filing
Before you hit submit, use the tax calculator on the income tax portal to check whether the old or new regime gives you better tax savings. This step alone can save you money.
9. Understand the Penalties If You Miss the Deadline
Failing to meet the ITR filing last date will attract:
- A late filing fee of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F
- Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C
- Loss of carry-forward benefits on certain losses
10. Keep an Eye on Refunds
Once you file and verify, keep an eye on the tax return status through the portal. Refunds are usually processed within weeks, provided there are no mismatches.
Conclusion
Filing your income tax return on time is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about keeping your financial records clean and refunds hassle-free. With only a few days remaining before the ITR filing deadline, please gather your documents, double-check your details, and file early to prevent last-minute stress. Stay compliant, stay stress-free, and make the most of your tax savings this year.
