India Extends Income Tax Return Filing Deadline for Audited Accounts to December 10, 2025

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has provided significant relief to taxpayers by extending the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26. The due date for all taxpayers whose accounts require an audit has been moved from October 31, 2025, to December 10, 2025. This extension is particularly crucial for companies, partnership firms, and proprietorships that typically face more complex compliance requirements due to the mandatory audit of their financial statements.

This decision comes after tax professionals and industry bodies requested more time, citing disruptions caused by heavy monsoon rains and floods in various parts of the country, which delayed accounting and audit work. Previously, the deadline for filing audit reports was already extended from September 30 to October 31. This latest extension grants businesses an additional month to finalize their tax filings.

Experts advise taxpayers to utilize this extended period effectively to meticulously verify financial statements, complete all pending audit tasks, and ensure timely filing to avoid penalties or interest charges under the Income Tax Act.

Impact This extension alleviates compliance pressure on businesses, allowing more time for accurate financial reporting and tax preparation. It can lead to smoother operations for companies and reduce stress on tax professionals, potentially preventing last-minute errors or issues. Rating: 5.

Difficult Terms: Income Tax Return (ITR): A form filed with the government to report income, calculate tax liability, and claim refunds or make payments. Assessment Year (AY): The year following the financial year in which income earned during that financial year is assessed for tax purposes. For example, income earned in the Financial Year 2024-25 is assessed in Assessment Year 2025-26. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): A statutory authority in India that deals with direct taxes and is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. Proprietorships: A business structure where one individual owns and runs the business, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business. Audit: An official examination of financial records and accounts by an independent party to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations.