ITR Filing 2025: Delay in Notifying ITR Forms: Will the Deadline Be Extended? Here’s What You Should Know

The Income Tax Department has delayed the release of ITR forms and utilities for Assessment Year 2025–26. Even though there haven’t been any big changes in the Finance Act 2024, the delay could be due to some internal work or technology updates within the department.

They might be working to update the forms to match with new systems like AIS (Annual Information Statement), TIS (Taxpayer Information Summary), and other compliance tools. This is being done to make sure that the data in the pre-filled forms is accurate and matches the latest records.

Are Backend System Changes Causing the Delay?

Yes, the delay seems to be because of changes happening in the backend technology. In the past few years, the Income Tax Department has been focusing a lot on improving digitization and automation.

With the rollout of AIS and an improved compliance portal, a lot of taxpayer data is now automatically pre-filled in ITR forms. To make sure the information is accurate, the department is likely testing the systems thoroughly before making the forms available. Even small mismatches in financial data can cause issues for taxpayers, so extra care is being taken to validate and match everything properly.

This delay is more about aligning the backend systems correctly rather than any change in tax laws.

Read More, Income Tax Return 2025: Filing Dates, ITR Form Types, and How to File Online. 

How Will This Delay Affect Salaried Taxpayers and Early Refunds?

The delay in ITR forms can create some challenges, especially for salaried taxpayers and those hoping for early refunds. Usually, companies give out Form 16 to employees by mid-May, and many people start filing their returns soon after.

If the ITR forms are not available in time, taxpayers won’t be able to file their returns, which will automatically delay their refunds. Refunds play an important role in financial planning for many individuals, and any delay can cause inconvenience or financial strain.
 

Moreover, if taxpayers are unable to file returns on time because of delayed forms, they might also have to bear interest charges until the refund is finally processed and credited by the Income Tax Department.

Will the ITR Filing Deadline Be Extended?

There have been instances in the past when the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the ITR filing deadline due to portal issues or delays. However, in the last few years, the department has made efforts to stick to the original deadlines, especially for taxpayers whose accounts do not need audits.
 

If the ITR forms and utilities are delayed even until the end of June, then there is a chance that the July 31 deadline could be extended. But as of now, no official statement has been made about any deadline extension. Taxpayers are advised to continue preparing as if the deadline remains July 31 and keep checking for any official updates from the Income Tax Department.

What Should Taxpayers Do While Waiting for the Forms?

Even though the forms and utilities are not available yet, taxpayers can use this time wisely to prepare. They can start collecting important documents like Form 16 from their employer, interest certificates from banks, capital gain statements for any investments, rent receipts (if they are planning to claim HRA), and proofs of any investments made for tax savings. It is also a good idea to carefully check the Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Form 26AS to find and fix any errors.

Taxpayers can estimate their total income and expected tax liability in advance, which will make the actual filing much quicker once the forms are released. Additionally, they should check and update their bank account details on the Income Tax e-filing portal to ensure that refunds, when processed, are credited smoothly without any issues.

Conclusion

The delay in the release of ITR forms for Assessment Year 2025–26 is mainly due to backend technology upgrades and system alignment. While no official extension of the filing deadline has been announced, taxpayers should not wait and must start gathering necessary documents to ensure a smooth filing process once the forms are available. Staying proactive and prepared will help avoid last-minute hassles and ensure timely filing.

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