ITR Filing Deadline Set for September 15: Over 4.18 Crore Returns Filed So Far

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The last date to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) is September 15, 2025, and the Income Tax Department has already received a record 4.18 crore ITRs as of August 31. Out of these, 3.98 crore returns have been verified, and 2.74 crore have been successfully processed.

If your income sources are simple and straightforward, such as a salary or pension, you don’t necessarily need to hire a chartered accountant (CA). Salaried individuals with Form 16 issued by their employer can easily file their return online using ITR Form-1 (Sahaj)—a simplified form designed for individuals with basic income sources.

However, if you have more complex income streams—such as business income, capital gains, international transactions, or multiple deductions—you’ll need to use more advanced forms like ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, etc., where expert guidance from a CA or tax consultant is strongly recommended to avoid errors, rejections, or penalties.

Available ITR Forms for AY 2025–26:

ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried employees, pensioners, or individuals with simple income.

ITR-2: For individuals earning income from salary, property, or capital gains.

ITR-3: For individuals with business or professional income.

ITR-4 (Sugam): For small businesses and professionals under presumptive taxation.

ITR-5, 6, 7: For firms, companies, trusts, and other entities.

Step-by-Step Guide to File ITR-1 Online:

Visit the official Income Tax Department website: https://www.incometax.gov.in

Log in using your PAN as User ID and your password.

Navigate to e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return.

Select the Assessment Year 2025–26.

Choose ITR Form-1 (Sahaj) for salaried taxpayers.

Click on Pre-filled Data—your PAN, salary, TDS, and bank details will appear automatically.

Cross-check and update details using your Form 16.

After filling the form, verify your return using Aadhaar OTP or net banking.

Timely filing and accurate verification are essential to avoid penalties or notices from the department.