The Income Tax Department has announced an extension of the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. Taxpayers now have until September 15, 2025, to complete their filings without incurring penalties. This extension provides individuals with additional time to prepare and submit their returns accurately through the official e-filing portal. Filing tax returns is a mandatory responsibility for eligible taxpayers, and timely compliance helps avoid late fees and interest charges. For many individuals, especially salaried employees, ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the most commonly used form. Below is a detailed guide on how to file ITR-1 online through the income tax e-filing website.

Understanding the Extended Deadline

The revised due date of September 15, 2025, applies specifically to AY 2025-26 filings. Missing this deadline could result in penalties and additional charges as per income tax regulations. The extension offers taxpayers more flexibility in gathering necessary documents such as Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs before submitting their returns.

Who Can File Using ITR-1 (Sahaj)

ITR-1 is designed for resident individuals with income up to ₹50 lakh from sources such as salary or pension, one house property, or other income like interest from savings accounts or fixed deposits. It cannot be used by individuals with income from business or profession, capital gains, or more than one house property. Understanding eligibility ensures that taxpayers select the correct form before beginning the filing process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing ITR Online

To file ITR-1 through the official portal, taxpayers should follow these steps: 1. Visit the income tax e-filing website and log in using your PAN number and password. 2. Navigate to the “File Income Tax Return” option under the e-file menu. 3. Select Assessment Year 2025-26 and choose “Online” mode of filing. 4. Pick ITR-1 (Sahaj) from the available forms if eligible based on your income profile. 5. Enter personal details including name, PAN, Aadhaar number, and contact information as required by the form. 6. Report income details such as salary figures from Form 16 or interest earned from bank accounts accurately in designated sections. 7. Claim deductions under relevant sections like Section 80C for investments or Section 80D for medical insurance premiums if applicable. 8. Review all entries carefully before proceeding to validation and submission of the return form online. 9. Complete e-verification using Aadhaar OTP, net banking option, or other available methods provided on the portal to finalize submission successfully.

Avoiding Penalties Through Timely Filing

Filing after September 15, 2025, will attract late fees under applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act along with possible interest on unpaid taxes if any liability exists. Timely compliance not only prevents financial penalties but also ensures smooth processing of refunds where applicable. Early filing also helps taxpayers identify discrepancies in advance and correct them without last-minute stress.

The Importance of Accurate Reporting

Accuracy in reporting income and deductions is critical during return filing as errors may lead to notices from tax authorities or delays in refund processing. Maintaining proper records of salary slips, bank statements, investment proofs, and deduction certificates makes it easier for individuals to complete their returns correctly within the extended timeline provided by authorities this year.

With the deadline now set for September 15, 2025, taxpayers have ample opportunity to prepare their documents and file returns without rushing at the last moment. By following a structured approach through the official e-filing platform and ensuring accuracy in reporting details, individuals can meet compliance requirements smoothly while avoiding penalties associated with delayed submissions.