In a last-minute decision, the government has extended the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025-26 by just one day—moving the deadline from September 15 to september 16, 2025. This extension follows reports of technical glitches and heavy traffic on the income tax e-filing portal, which caused significant disruptions for taxpayers trying to file their returns on the final day.

Key Points on the Extension:

1. Technical Glitches on the Portal:

o The Income Tax e-filing portal was reportedly facing severe issues, with many users unable to access or submit their ITRs due to slow load times, server crashes, and other system errors. This resulted in widespread frustration among taxpayers, especially on the final day of filing.

2. Government's Response:

o In response to these problems, the Income Tax Department announced an extension of the deadline by just one more day, shifting it to September 16. This decision was aimed at providing taxpayers with a little more time to complete their filings.

3. Impact on Taxpayers:

o While the 1-day extension offers some relief to those who were unable to file their returns, many taxpayers feel that this additional time might not be sufficient to address the widespread technical issues and user frustration. Some users are also concerned that heavy traffic on the portal on the new deadline day could result in further delays or glitches.

Is the 1-Day Extension Enough?

· Limited Time:
A one-day extension may not be enough for all taxpayers, especially those who were impacted by the glitches on the portal. With the September 16 deadline now approaching, many are still facing uncertainty about whether they will be able to file their returns without facing more technical issues.

· Taxpayers’ Concerns:

o Some taxpayers feel that a more significant extension (possibly a few more days) would have been more helpful in allowing users to file their returns smoothly.

o Others believe that the extension is merely a temporary fix, and the government should focus on ensuring that the e-filing system is more robust and user-friendly in the future.

What’s Next for Taxpayers?

· Monitor the Portal:
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their returns should monitor the Income Tax e-filing portal closely, especially on September 16, to avoid any last-minute issues. It’s advisable to complete the filing process well in advance of the deadline.

· Possible Further Extension:
If technical issues persist, there might be a chance for further extensions. However, this will depend on the government’s evaluation of the ongoing issues with the portal.

Conclusion:

While the one-day extension provides some relief, it may not be enough to address the technical glitches that have been plaguing the Income Tax e-filing portal. Many taxpayers are still concerned about potential problems in filing their returns on the extended deadline. The government must consider long-term improvements to the e-filing system to ensure smoother processes for taxpayers in the future.

 

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