📆 Income Tax Return Deadline Extended: What It Means for You (FY 2024–25)
An Interactive Q&A Guide to Stay Ahead of the Tax
Game
1. What’s the new deadline for filing ITR for FY 2024–25?
Answer:
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date to September
15, 2025, from the usual July 31, but only for taxpayers not
requiring an audit—like salaried employees, pensioners, and NRIs.
✅ Quick Tip: If you're not
a business owner needing an audit, this extension is for you!
2. Does this also mean I can pay my self-assessment tax
later, without interest?
Answer:
Yes! As per experts (and backed by Supreme Court in CIT v. Prannoy
Roy), if you pay your self-assessment tax and file your ITR by
September 15, 2025, you won’t be charged penal interest under Section
234A.
💡 Think of Sept 15 as
your new “July 31” this year—no interest, no penalty if you’re on time!
3. What exactly is self-assessment tax, anyway?
Answer:
It’s the final tax you pay after adjusting all your TDS, TCS, and
advance tax. It ensures you’ve fully paid your dues before filing your return.
📌 Example: Suppose
your total tax is ₹1,00,000. You’ve already paid ₹85,000 via TDS and advance
tax. The remaining ₹15,000 is self-assessment tax.
4. What is Section 234A interest and when does it hit?
Answer:
Section 234A interest is charged at 1% per month on any unpaid tax if
you file your ITR after the due date. But in this case, since the due
date is now September 15, no such interest will apply if you pay tax
and file by then.
🚫 No late fee drama—just
stick to the new timeline!
5. Does this extension help with advance tax penalties
too?
Answer:
Unfortunately, no. The extension only affects ITR filing and
self-assessment tax deadlines. If you miss or underpay advance tax,
you’ll still face interest under Sections 234B & 234C, regardless of
the new filing date.
6. What are Sections 234B & 234C and how do they
work?
Answer:
Both deal with advance tax defaults and charge 1% interest per month:
- 234B:
You didn’t pay enough advance tax overall.
- 234C:
You missed advance tax installment targets.
📊 Example: If you
were supposed to pay ₹25,000 by June 15 and paid only ₹10,000, interest kicks
in on the shortfall.
7. What if I delay self-assessment tax payment beyond
Sept 15, 2025?
Answer:
Then Section 234A interest at 1% per month applies on the unpaid
amount, from September 16 until you pay.
⚠️ Paying even one day late
can cost you extra. Don’t procrastinate!
8. Why was the deadline extended this year?
Answer:
Although not officially stated, sources suggest it’s due to technical or
system-related issues, such as delayed release of return filing
utilities.
🧑💻 Translation:
CBDT gave us more time because things weren’t ready yet.
✨ Key Insights to Remember
|
🔹 Situation |
🔸 Impact |
|
ITR filed & tax paid by Sep 15 |
✅ No interest under 234A |
|
Advance tax not paid correctly |
❌ Interest under 234B &
234C still applies |
|
Tax paid after Sep 15 |
❌ 1% per month under 234A kicks
in |
|
Filing before deadline, but tax unpaid |
❌ Still liable for interest |
✅ Bottom Line:
If you’re a non-audit taxpayer, you’ve got till
September 15, 2025, to breathe easy. File your ITR and pay your dues on
time, and you’ll avoid unnecessary penalties.
🗣️ Need help crunching
numbers? Reach out to a tax expert. It’s better than overpaying later!