As the ITR filing deadline for AY 2025-26 approaches, many taxpayers are hopeful that the Government will extend the due date once again. In the middle of this anxious wait, a fake circular has started circulating on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that the deadline has been extended till 30th September 2025.
This has created massive confusion among taxpayers and professionals. Let’s clear the facts.
📌 What Actually Happened
- A document resembling an official Income Tax notification is being forwarded widely, showing that the due date has been extended.
- The Income Tax Department has officially clarified that this “circular” is FAKE.
- As of now, the last date to file ITR (Non-Audit Cases) is 15th September 2025. No further extension has been granted.
🔎 Why People Believed the Fake News
- Portal Glitches – Taxpayers have been struggling with AIS/26AS not opening, TRACES downtime, and frequent slowdowns.
- Heavy Workload – September already has GST returns, advance tax, and ROC filings, adding pressure on professionals.
- Previous Extensions – Since deadlines have been extended in past years, people assumed it would happen again.
- Representations by ICAI & Trade Bodies – Multiple professional groups have requested extensions, which made the fake circular sound believable.
⚠️ Consequences of Believing Fake News
- If you wait for a date extension that never comes, you may miss the real deadline and face penalties.
- Filing after 15th September 2025 will mean:
- Late fee under Section 234F (₹1,000 or ₹5,000 depending on income).
- Interest on unpaid taxes.
- Loss of certain benefits like carry-forward of losses.
✅ What Are the Real Options If You Miss the Deadline?
Even if the original due date is missed, you still have options:
- Belated Return – Can be filed after the due date, but with late fees and loss of some benefits.
- Updated Return (u/s 139(8A)) – Gives another chance to declare missed income within 2 years, but with additional tax liability.
So, the law still allows filing — but at a cost.
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