Overview

• As of early September, more than 4.66 crore returns have been filed and about 3.23 crore processed, leaving many taxpayers awaiting processing and refunds.
• The September 15 due date applies to taxpayers whose accounts are not subject to audit, while audit cases retain an October 31 deadline and belated returns are allowed until December 31 with penalties.
• Missing the due date converts the return to belated status and attracts a Section 234F late fee of up to Rs 5,000 (Rs 1,000 for income up to Rs 5 lakh) plus 1% per month interest on any unpaid tax.
• Taxpayers are urged to use the correct ITR form, reconcile income and TDS with AIS/Form 26AS, e‑verify the return, and pre‑validate bank details for refunds, with mandatory disclosures such as foreign assets/income and crypto transactions carrying severe penalties if omitted.
• Industry bodies including FKCCI and CAAS have sought another extension citing late utility rollouts and technical glitches, but the government has not announced any change to the current timeline.