Don’t Miss the Deadline: Your Complete Guide to the September 15th ITR Filing for FY 2024-25 

The deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) for non-audit cases, which includes most salaried individuals, pensioners, and small businesses, has been extended to 15 September 2025. Timely filing is crucial not only to avoid penalties and interest but also to claim refunds, carry forward losses, and maintain a vital financial record for loans or visas. The process has been simplified with pre-filled forms on the e-filing portal, and taxpayers must carefully choose between the Old Tax Regime (with exemptions) and the default New Tax Regime (with lower rates but fewer deductions) to minimize their liability, reflecting a broader shift towards digital compliance and a formalized economy.

Don’t Miss the Deadline: Your Complete Guide to the September 15th ITR Filing for FY 2024-25 

The clock is ticking for millions of Indian taxpayers. While the typical July 31st deadline is etched in many minds, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has granted an extension, making September 15, 2025, the critical date to remember for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26). 

This isn’t just a bureaucratic exercise; it’s a cornerstone of your financial health and a vital contribution to the nation’s economy. With over 7.28 crore ITRs filed last year and a 25% surge in filings over two years, India is witnessing a digital compliance revolution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—not just the “what” and “when,” but the “why” and “how”—to ensure you file accurately, on time, and with confidence. 

Understanding the Deadline: Who Gets the Extension? 

First, it’s crucial to know that the September 15th deadline is specifically for non-audit cases. This encompasses the vast majority of individual taxpayers, including: 

• Salaried employees and pensioners. 

• Individuals earning income from one house property, capital gains, or other sources (like bank interest). 

• Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) without business income. 

• Small businesses and professionals who have opted for the Presumptive Taxation Scheme (under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE) and whose turnover remains below the mandatory audit threshold. 

If your accounts are required to be audited under the Income Tax Act, your deadline is typically October 31st. For most readers, however, September 15th is the day to circle on the calendar. 

Why Bother Filing? Beyond Avoiding Penalties 

Sure, avoiding penalties is a strong motivator. A delayed filing can attract a fee of up to ₹5,000 and a monthly interest charge of 1% on any unpaid tax. But the real value of filing your ITR extends far beyond compliance: 

• Your Financial Passport: An ITR acknowledgement is a powerful proof of income. Whether you’re applying for a home loan, a visa to travel abroad, or a high-value credit card, this document is non-negotiable. It establishes your financial credibility instantly. 

• Claim What’s Yours: If you’ve had excess Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from your salary or investments, filing an ITR is the only way to claim that refund. It’s your money; don’t let it sit with the government. 

• Carry Forward Losses: Suffered a loss in the stock market or from your house property? These losses can be carried forward to offset future income and reduce your tax burden in coming years—but only if you file your return on time. 

• Contribute to Nation Building: Your ITR data helps the government formulate better economic policies, target subsidies effectively, and understand the economic landscape. It’s a move towards a more formal, transparent, and efficient economy. 

Navigating the Maze: Choosing the Correct ITR Form 

Selecting the wrong form can render your return “defective,” causing unnecessary delays and stress. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the common forms for non-audit taxpayers: 

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): The simplest form, meant for resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, other sources (like interest), and agricultural income under ₹5,000. You cannot use this if you have capital gains, own more than one house, or are a director in a company. 

• ITR-2: This is for Individuals and HUFs whose income exceeds ₹50 lakh or includes capital gains (from selling stocks, property, etc.), or income from more than one house property. It is still not for those with business income. 

• ITR-3: The go-to form for individuals and HUFs who have income from a business or profession. This includes partners in a firm who receive remuneration. 

• ITR-4 (Sugam): Designed for residents, HUFs, and firms (other than LLPs) who have opted for the presumptive taxation scheme. Their business income is calculated as a prescribed percentage of their turnover. 

The Big Choice: Old Tax Regime vs. New Tax Regime 

This is the most critical strategic decision you’ll make while filing. The government has made the New Regime the default option from FY 2023-24, but you can still opt for the old one if it’s more beneficial. 

Pro Tip: Don’t just go with the default. Use the tax calculator on the e-filing portal or consult with a CA to run the numbers for both regimes. For someone with a home loan and substantial 80C investments, the Old Regime might still be a winner. 

How to File: A Stress-Free, Step-by-Step Guide 

The process has been significantly streamlined with pre-filled data to minimize errors. 

• Log In: Visit the official portal www.incometax.gov.in and sign in using your PAN (as user ID) and password, or via Aadhaar OTP—the fastest method. 

• Navigate: Go to the ‘e-File’ menu > ‘Income Tax Return’ > ‘File Income Tax Return’. 

• Select Year: Choose the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. 

• Choose Form: Select the applicable ITR form based on your income profile (as described above). 

• Pre-filled Data: The system will display pre-filled information like your salary (from Form 16), TDS details (from Form 26AS), and bank interest. Review this carefully—it’s not infallible. 

• Fill the Gaps: Manually add any missing income (e.g., freelance work, rental income from a second property) and claim deductions if you’ve chosen the Old Regime. 

• Calculate & Pay: The system will calculate your tax liability. If you owe any tax after considering TDS, pay it immediately using the provided challan to avoid interest. 

• Validate and Submit: Verify your return using an Aadhaar OTP, Electronic Verification Code (EVC) sent to your registered mobile, or by sending a signed physical copy of the ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru. 

The Bigger Picture: A Nation Embracing Tax Compliance 

The 7.5% year-on-year growth in ITR filings and the influx of 58.57 lakh first-time filers in the last assessment year are not just statistics. They tell a story of a digitizing India where compliance is becoming simpler and more mainstream. This formalization of the economy leads to better infrastructure, targeted welfare, and ultimately, a more robust nation. 

Final Thought: Don’t wait for the last week. Gather your documents—Form 16, investment proofs, interest certificates, and capital gains statements—today. Filing your ITR is an act of financial hygiene. Getting it done well before September 15th, 2025, will give you peace of mind, keep you compliant, and set you up for a smoother financial journey ahead.