Delayed ITR Filing Risk: CBDT Extends Deadline to 15 September 2025

Delayed Utility Update Puts ITR Filing at Risk (AY 2025–26)

What Taxpayers & Professionals Need to Know

Despite the CBDT’s official extension of the ITR filing deadline to 15 September 2025 for non-audit taxpayers (per CBDT Circular No. 06/2025, dated 27 May 2025), a technical delay in updating the ITR filing utility is causing confusion and potential penalties on the Income Tax portal.

What’s the Issue?

System Error: Returns filed between 1 August and 15 September 2025 are being incorrectly marked as “belated.”
Auto-Late Fee: The portal is imposing Section 234F penalties—₹5,000 or ₹1,000—on returns that are, in fact, timely.
Compliance Confusion: Taxpayers and CAs must now justify or dispute these charges despite filing within the extended deadline.

CBDT Circular No. 06/2025 – Key Excerpt

“The due date for furnishing the return of income under Section 139(1) for AY 2025–26 is extended from 31st July 2025 to 15th September 2025.”

Applies to:

Individuals
Salaried employees
HUFs & small businesses not requiring audit

Section 234F Penalty Overview

Total Income	Penalty if Filed Late
More than ₹5 lakh	₹5,000
Up to ₹5 lakh	₹1,000

Issue: The portal wrongly flags eligible returns as belated, auto-applying these penalties—despite the extended due date.

What CAs & Tax Experts Are Recommending

Document Everything: Save a copy of CBDT Circular 06/2025 and take screenshots of your filing status, error messages, or late fee imposition.
Raise a Grievance:
Go to: Income Tax Portal → Help → Submit Grievance
Choose: Filing Related
Mention: “Incorrect 234F penalty – Refer CBDT Circular 06/2025”
Attach: Screenshots and circular copy
Consider Delaying Filing:
- If not urgent, wait until the utility is updated to reflect the correct due date.
- This helps avoid unnecessary penalties or rectification hassles later.
Monitor Daily: Check the portal for utility updates—but don’t wait until the last moment in September to avoid server overload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the due date officially extended? Yes. The CBDT has formally extended the non-audit ITR filing deadline to 15 September 2025.

Q2. Do I have to pay the ₹5,000 fee if it shows up? Yes, temporarily. Until the utility is updated, payment may be required. Keep full documentation and file a grievance for refund or correction later.

Q3. How can I submit a grievance? Log in → Help → Submit Grievance → Select Filing Related Mention: CBDT Circular 06/2025 Attach screenshots and the circular file

Q4. Should I file now or wait? If your return isn’t urgent, wait. For urgent filings, document the discrepancy and raise a grievance immediately after submission.

Takeaway

If you’re filing your ITR between August 1 and September 15, 2025, you are not late—even if the portal says otherwise. But due to the system issue, act smart:

Keep records File grievances Wait if you can Consult a CA or tax adviso