In India, submitting an income tax return (ITR) is a crucial financial obligation for all working professionals. The Income Tax Department provides salaried workers with a specific day each year to submit their returns. ITR Filing Last Date 2025 for Salaried Employees: Complete Guide. Penalties, interest, and even the loss of some benefits may follow failure to meet this deadline.
We’ll delve into great detail in this blog about the ITR filing deadline for AY 2025–26 (FY 2024–25), the significance of filing returns on time, how to file your return, the documents required, penalties for late filing, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the ITR filing last date for 2025 for salaried employees?
The deadline for salaried individuals to file their ITR for the Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26, which is equivalent to the Financial Year (FY) 2024–25, is September 15, 2025.
✅ Synopsis: Relevant to: People who don’t need an audit, including salaried staff
September 15, 2025 is the deadline.
Year of Assessment: 2025–2026
Year of Finance: 2024–2025
📌 Please take note that the Income Tax Department may extend this deadline in certain situations (such as technical difficulties or natural disasters); ITR Filing Last Date 2025 for Salaried Employees: Complete Guide. However, to avoid fines, it is recommended to file before 15th September 2025.
Who Should File ITR?
You have to submit your ITR if
The basic exemption ceiling is exceeded by your gross total income:
- ₹2.5 lakh (for people under 60 years old)
- ₹3 lakh (for elderly people aged 60 to 80)
- (for very senior citizens above 80 years old) ₹5 lakh
- You would like to request a reimbursement for any excess TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
- You have assets and income from overseas.
- You intend to apply for a loan or visa later on.
- Losses are being carried forward under the income head.
You have earned money from a variety of sources, including interest, capital gains, and rental income.
Documents Required for ITR Filing (Salaried Employees)
In order to properly file your return, have the necessary paperwork on hand:
- Your employer’s Form 16
- The PAN Card
- The Aadhaar Card
- Details of a bank account
- Pay stubs
- Proofs of investment (under 80C, 80D, etc.)
- Annual Tax Statement, Form 26AS
- Receptions for rent (if claiming HRA)
- Bank or NBFC interest certificates
- Statements of capital gains (if applicable)
- Information about any additional revenue.
Steps to File ITR for Salaried Employees (Online)
- Visit the official Income Tax Portal: https://incometax.gov.in
- Log in using your PAN/Aadhaar and password
- Go to e-File > Income Tax Return > File Income Tax Return
- Select the relevant:
- Assessment Year: 2025–26
- Mode: Online
- Status: Individual
- ITR Form: ITR-1 (for most salaried employees)
- Pre-fill and verify personal and income details
- Claim deductions under 80C, 80D, etc.
- Validate TDS details using Form 26AS
- Submit the return and e-verify using OTP, Aadhaar, Net Banking, etc.
- Download the acknowledgment (ITR-V) for your records
⏳ Consequences of Missing the ITR Filing Deadline
Missing the 31st July 2025 deadline can have the following consequences:
1. Late Fee under Section 234F
- ₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh
- ₹5,000 if income is above ₹5 lakh
2. Interest on Tax Due (Section 234A, 234B, 234C)
If you haven’t paid your full taxes by the deadline, you may have to pay interest at 1% per month or part thereof.
3. Loss of Carry Forward Benefit
If you have incurred capital losses (e.g., from shares or property), you cannot carry forward those losses if you miss the deadline.
4. Delay in Refund
If a refund is due, it may get delayed if you file late.
5. Penalty Notice
Repeated non-compliance may attract scrutiny or notices from the Income Tax Department.
✍️ Importance of Filing ITR Even If Income is Below Taxable Limit
Many salaried individuals skip ITR filing if their income is below the exemption threshold. However, here’s why you should still file your ITR:
- Proof of income for loan/visa applications
- Record of financial history
- Claim TDS refunds
- Carry forward capital or business losses
- Avoid future complications with the IT Department
🔁 Can You File ITR After the Due Date?
Yes. You can file a belated return up to 31st December 2025. However, you will have to pay penalties and may lose out on some benefits.
If there’s a genuine reason for the delay (such as medical emergency, technical glitch, etc.), you may also request a condonation of delay from the tax department.
📊 Old vs New Tax Regime – Which One to Choose?
Starting from FY 2023–24, the new tax regime has become the default, but you can still opt for the old regime when filing your return.
Old Tax Regime:
- More suitable if you claim multiple deductions under 80C, 80D, HRA, LTA, etc.
New Tax Regime:
- Lower tax slabs but fewer deductions and exemptions
You can compare both using online tax calculators or consult a tax expert to make the right choice.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Q1. What is the last date to file ITR for salaried employees in 2025?
Ans: The due date is 31st July 2025 for salaried employees and individuals who do not require their accounts to be audited.
❓ Q2. What happens if I miss the 31st July 2025 deadline?
Ans: You can still file a belated return till 31st December 2025, but with a penalty and interest. You may also lose some benefits like carrying forward losses.
❓ Q3. Is ITR filing mandatory for salaried employees?
Ans: Yes, if your total income exceeds the basic exemption limit. It is also advisable even if you are not liable to pay tax, especially if TDS has been deducted or you want to claim a refund.
❓ Q4. Which ITR form should a salaried employee use?
Ans: Most salaried individuals can use ITR-1 (Sahaj), unless they have income from business, capital gains, or foreign assets.
❓ Q5. Can I revise my ITR after submission?
Ans: Yes. If you file your ITR before the due date, you can revise it as many times as needed until 31st December 2025.
❓ Q6. How to check if my ITR has been processed?
Ans: After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment (ITR-V). You can log in to the Income Tax portal and check the “Status” under your dashboard.
❓ Q7. Do I need to submit physical copies to the Income Tax Department?
Ans: No. If you e-verify your ITR using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or EVC, there’s no need to send physical copies.
Conclusion
In addition to being required by law, timely filing of your income tax return is also a wise financial practice. To avoid fines and enjoy seamless tax compliance for the fiscal year 2024–2025, be sure to submit your ITR before September 15, 2025. Timely filing provides you with peace of mind, whether you’re claiming deductions, refunds, or simply building a financial trail.
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a tax adviser or use online ITR filing platforms that simplify the procedure if you have questions about deductions or tax regimes.