ITR Return 2025: What is the last date to file an economy tax return, 31 July or 15 September? There is confusion in the minds of the people how long income tax returns can be filed without penalty. The Income Tax Department has increased the last date for filing income tax return (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 i.e. Assessment Year 2025-26 from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025. This relief is for taxpayers whose account does not come under the purview of audit, such as employed people, pensioners and NRIs etc. This announcement is a big question in the minds of the people that now the self assessment tax can also be deposited by September 15 without any penalty?
What is self assessment tax?
Self assessment tax is the amount that is outstanding even after paying TDS, TCS and advance tax. It is usually repaid while filing ITR and if not given on time, it is charged at the rate of 1% per month under Section 234A.
Will the 234A interest not be charged till September 15?
Now 15 September 2025 will be considered as a dee date, so if you fill ITR till that date. Also, if you pay self assessment tax, then you will not have to pay interest under section 234A. According to an old decision of the Supreme Court and CBDT circular, when the deadline for filing ITR is increased, that new date is considered a dew date and interest is not charged under Section 234A. That is, until the ITR and self assessment tax is deposited by September 15, interest will not be charged. In previous cases, CBDT took a different stance a few times, but there is no such explanation in the 2025 circular, so it would be right to assume that interest will not be charged.
Penalty on advance tax will continue
However, no relief has been given on penalty related to advance tax. If you do not pay timely tax on time in financial year 2024-25, then you will have to pay interest at the rate of 1% monthly under Section 234B and 234C. 234B applies when the amount of advance tax is deposited or not deposited at all.
If tax is filled after September 15?
If you filled the ITR after 15 September 2025 and also deposited the self assessment tax after that, then you will have to pay interest under Section 234A.
What is the last date to file ITR?
The last date for ITR and Self Assessment Tax will now be considered as 15 September 2025. Earlier, there will be no penalty under Section 234A on depositing tax. But if you do not pay advance tax, interest will have to be paid under 234B and 234C.