ITR Filing AY 2025-26: Easy Guide for Online & Offline Steps
By : Sandhya
New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has simplified offline filing by launching Excel-based utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for FY 2024-25. Over 15,500 returns were filed on the first day, May 31, with 13,450 already verified. Meanwhile, online filing options are yet to open.
The last date to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) without penalty is September 15, 2025. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular filer, knowing both online and offline filing methods is crucial to avoid errors and fines. Remember to report key details accurately, especially if you’ve paid over Rs 1 lakh in electricity bills, spent more than Rs 2 lakh on foreign travel, or deposited Rs 1 crore or more in your current account.
Your bank account details
Proofs of investments, rent receipts, and LIC premiums for deductions under Sections 80C, 80D, and others
The last date to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the financial year 2024-25 is September 15, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you may have to pay a late filing fee under Section 234F. The penalty is Rs 1,000 if your income is below Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 5,000 if your income exceeds Rs 5 lakh. So, it’s best to file your return on time to avoid these extra charges.
If you miss the ITR filing deadline, you could lose the chance to carry forward any losses to future years. The CBDT has updated the ITR forms for AY 2025–26 to include reporting of capital gains in ITR-1 and ITR-4, along with better support for pre-filled data. Whether you file online or offline, submitting your return on time helps you stay compliant and makes sure you don’t miss out on benefits like tax refunds.