Income Tax Filing in India 2025: Last Date, New Rules & Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Tax season in India always brings a mix of urgency and confusion—and 2025 is no different. The CBDT has extended the ITR filing deadline from July 31 to September 15, 2025, giving taxpayers extra time to comply with new rules and updated ITR forms.

This guide simplifies everything you need to know about Income Tax Filing in India 2025, including:

• Filing deadlines for different taxpayer categories

• New tax rules and slab rates

• Documents required for filing

• Step-by-step ITR filing process

• Penalties for late filing and FAQs

• Pro tips for hassle-free filing

1. Income Tax Filing Deadlines 2025

The key update for 2025 is the deadline extension. Below is the schedule:

Most salaried employees, pensioners, and freelancers must file by September 15, 2025.

2. Why Was the Deadline Extended?

The extension is due to:

• Major ITR updates: New data fields for capital gains, dividends, loans, and digital assets

• Delayed TDS credits: Q4 statements reflected in June, reducing time to file

• Income Tax Act 2025 rollout: System updates required for smooth transition

• CBDT Circular No. 06/2025: Official extension under Section 139(1)

3. New Tax Rules in 2025

a) Tax Slabs (Budget 2025)

• No tax up to ₹12 lakh income

• Standard deduction ₹75,000 → effectively tax-free up to ₹12.75 lakh

• Above ₹12.75 lakh, progressive rates: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%

b) Income Tax Act 2025 Highlights

• Introduces “Tax Year” concept (simplifies AY/PY)

• Reduces sections from 800+ to 536

• Faceless digital assessments

• Expands “undisclosed income” to include crypto & digital assets

• Faster refunds with prior notice before enforcement

c) Simplified ITR Forms

• Cleaner design with pre-filled sections

• Consolidates multiple income sources

• Reduces errors through automation

d) Capital Gains & Other Updates

• Capital gains reported before & after July 23, 2024 separately

• Dividend income and buybacks need detailed reporting

• Home loan interest & deductions require clear disclosure

4. Documents Checklist for Filing ITR 2025

Prepare these before filing:

• Form 16 (TDS on salary)

• Form 26AS / AIS (tax credit statement)

• Capital gains statements (shares, mutual funds, property)

• Bank statements & interest certificates

• Investment proofs (LIC, PPF, ELSS, NPS, 80C/80D)

• PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details

• Foreign income/asset documents, if applicable

5. Step-by-Step Guide: Filing ITR-1 Online (Salaried Individuals)

1. Login → Income Tax e-filing portal

2. Navigate: e-File → Income Tax Returns → File ITR

3. Select ITR-1 (Sahaj)

4. Fill sections:

   • Personal details (auto-filled)

   • Gross income (salary, house property, exempt LTCG)

   • Deductions (standard + 80C/80D)

   • Taxes paid (TDS, advance tax)

   • Verify final tax liability/refund

5. Verification: Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or send signed ITR-V

Filing typically takes 30–45 minutes if all documents are ready.

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6. Late Filing & Penalties

a) Interest (Section 234A)

• File by Sept 15 with full tax payment → No interest

• After Sept 15 → Interest applies

b) Penalty (Section 234F)

• Income ≤ ₹5 lakh → ₹1,000

• Income > ₹5 lakh → ₹5,000

• Long delays may reach ₹10,000

c) Other Impacts

• Cannot carry forward losses if filed late

• Refunds may be delayed or reduced

7. FAQs on ITR Filing 2025

Q1. Is the deadline same for everyone?
No. Individuals → Sept 15, Audit cases → Oct 31, International → Nov 30

Q2. Can I file after September 15?
Yes, as a Belated ITR till Dec 31, 2025, with penalties

Q3. What’s new in ITR forms?
Simplified, pre-filled, capital gains bifurcation, detailed disclosures

Q4. How much income is tax-free in 2025?
Up to ₹12.75 lakh (after standard deduction)

Q5. What if I miss Dec 31 deadline?
You lose the chance to file ITR for FY 2024-25

8. Pro-Tips for Stress-Free Filing

• Collect all documents early (June)

• Use pre-filled ITR forms for accuracy

• Double-check capital gains, interest, and deductions

• File well before Sept 15 to avoid portal rush

• Keep acknowledgement (ITR-V) safely

Conclusion

Filing Income Tax Returns in India 2025 is now easier with:

• Extended deadline: Sept 15, 2025

• Tax-free income up to ₹12.75 lakh

• Simplified, pre-filled ITR forms

• Avoiding penalties and refund delays

Start early, file on time, and enjoy a stress-free tax season!