Taxpayers Struggle with ITR Filing Despite Extended Deadline

Today, September 16, 2025, marks the deadline for filing the Income Tax Returns (ITR), but many taxpayers are reporting ongoing issues with the e-filing portal. This follows an extension from the Ministry of Finance that pushed the original deadline from September 15.

Initially, the one-day extension brought relief to some, allowing them to meet the deadline without penalties. However, many have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction as problems persist. A report indicates that taxpayers are still encountering technical glitches on the Income Tax Department’s official website.

Concerns Over Continued Portal Issues

Social media is buzzing with complaints from taxpayers who feel that even with the extension, the timeframe is insufficient due to the technical challenges they face. They’re calling for further extensions, lamenting that issues continue unabated.

The Ministry of Finance communicated the extension shortly before midnight on September 15, noting that the portal would be under maintenance from 12 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on September 16 to implement necessary updates. However, users like Ravi Kumar shared frustrations on social media, asking why the date was extended if the issues remained unresolved.

Another user, Ajit Jha, voiced his concerns about accruing penalties under Section 234F due to these ongoing problems. He mentioned that the utility still hadn’t been updated, affecting the submission process. Advocate Saurab Gupta also highlighted the ongoing issues, questioning the effectiveness of the extension.

Meanwhile, chartered accountant Himank Singla reported technical difficulties, confirming that the e-filing portal continues to malfunction for him.

Tax Department Offers Troubleshooting Tips for Filers

In light of these issues, the Income Tax Department shared some troubleshooting advice for those who are facing difficulties. They suggested potential problems might be linked to local system or browser settings, recommending several steps to rectify the situation:

• Delete temporary files from your system.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Try using a different or updated browser, such as the latest version of Chrome or Edge.
• Access the site in incognito or private mode.
• Disable any ad blockers or other extensions that might interfere.
• Switch to a different network if possible.

The department emphasized that many access issues can often be resolved by following these straightforward troubleshooting steps.

Potential Penalties for Late Returns

Aarti Raote, a partner at Deloitte India, advised taxpayers to utilize this additional time wisely. She noted that submitting after the deadline could lead to a penalty of up to Rs 5,000, alongside accruing 1% interest on any outstanding taxes until the return is filed. She cautioned that delays might not only affect financial penalties but also result in a higher likelihood of scrutiny from the authorities, which could complicate future tax filings.

Overall, the advice is clear: timely filing is crucial, especially amidst these continued technical issues.