Will Income Tax Dept Extend ITR Filing Due Date in 2025?

As the financial year ends and the new assessment year begins, one question becomes common among individuals and professionals — will the Income Tax Department extend the ITR filing due date this year? Chartered Accountants (CAs) across India are already facing this question from clients in 2025, earlier than usual.

Interestingly, this concern has come much sooner than in previous years, and one of the major reasons for this early buzz is the non-release of Excel utilities for filing income tax returns for Assessment Year 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25). This delay has raised questions and uncertainties among taxpayers and professionals alike.

Current Situation for AY 2025–26

For the current Assessment Year 2025–26, the due date for filing income tax returns by individuals and non-audit cases is July 31, 2025. This date has been the standard for several years unless formally extended by the government due to unforeseen circumstances or technical difficulties.

Normally, the process involves:

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notifying ITR forms by April.

• Releasing the Excel or Java utility within 7 to 10 days of the notification.

However, in 2025, while some ITR forms have been notified, the Excel utilities are still not available. This delay in utility release has become a point of concern for many tax practitioners who rely on the offline utility to prepare and file large numbers of returns efficiently.

Why Are Taxpayers Asking So Early About a Due Date Extension?

There are a few specific reasons why the question of a due date extension is being raised so early this year:

1. Utility Not Released Yet:
   Without the official Excel utility, most professionals are unable to start ITR filing for clients. Many taxpayers prefer early filing and are checking with their CAs if delays might lead to a deadline extension.

2. Experience from Previous Years:
   Over the past few years, the government has often extended the deadline, either due to technical glitches, COVID-19 impacts, or changes in forms. This pattern has created a sense of expectation that a delay is normal.

3. Need for Early Tax Planning:
   Many salaried and high-income individuals prefer filing early for faster processing and refunds. When the system is not ready, they become anxious and start inquiring about the possibility of an extension.

Impact on Tax Professionals

For CAs and tax consultants, this early concern from clients means increased pressure. While they want to start return filing early to avoid the July rush, the absence of utility tools means they can only begin preliminary work such as collecting documents, verifying details, and preparing draft returns.

Some firms are using third-party software or the Income Tax Department’s online ITR portal to begin work. However, for those managing a high volume of cases, the offline Excel utility is still the most practical method.

Until the utility is released, actual filing cannot start at full scale, even though clients expect timely service.

What to Expect Going Forward

There is no official update from the Income Tax Department regarding any extension. The government usually waits until July before announcing any changes to the due date. Historically, extensions are announced only when technical difficulties persist, or when large groups of taxpayers are unable to comply due to systemic issues.

In the current situation, the delay in utility release may create a valid reason for extension — but it is too early to assume anything. Professionals are advised to proceed as if the deadline remains July 31, 2025.

What Taxpayers and Professionals Should Do Now

• Taxpayers should begin collecting essential documents such as Form 16, TDS certificates, bank interest statements, and capital gains reports.

• CAs should begin preliminary verification and client communication so that filing can begin quickly once utilities are released.

• Everyone should avoid waiting for a deadline extension and be prepared to file within the current timeline.

FAQs

Q1: What is the ITR due date for AY 2025–26?
The due date for individuals and non-audit cases is July 31, 2025.

Q2: Has the ITR Excel utility been released?
As of now, no. The Income Tax Department has not released the utility yet.

Q3: Will the government extend the deadline?
There is no official announcement so far. The government may consider it only if delays continue or filing becomes difficult at scale.

Q4: Can I still prepare my return now?
Yes. Taxpayers can collect documents and prepare returns using online forms or third-party tools. Final filing can be done once the utility is available.

Q5: Is early filing recommended even without an extension?
Yes. Filing early helps avoid last-minute errors, delays, and penalties, especially for those expecting refunds.

Conclusion

Every year brings some level of uncertainty around the ITR due date, and 2025 is no exception. The delay in Excel utility release has triggered early concerns about whether the deadline will be extended. However, at this point, no such extension has been announced, and professionals must continue planning as per the original July 31, 2025 deadline. Being proactive, organized, and ready to act as soon as tools are released is the best strategy for both CAs and taxpayers this year.