If you’re wondering when does ITR filing starts this year and what you need to know before filing your Income Tax Return, you’re in the right place. The Income Tax Department recently announced that for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, the start date for ITR filing will be 30th May 2025, a change from the usual early April opening. Knowing exactly when does ITR filing starts is essential to avoid penalties, ensure timely refunds, and maintain compliance.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the return filing period to the difference between AY vs FY. We’ll also highlight the key deadlines, explain who benefits from the filing window extension, and give you practical tips to prepare well in advance. Keep reading to fully understand when does ITR filing starts and how to make the most of the filing period.
What Is the Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing Period?
The return filing period is the officially declared time frame during which taxpayers can submit their Income Tax Returns to the government. Generally, the Income Tax Department opens the filing window on April 1st following the end of the Financial Year, and the deadline has traditionally been July 31st. However, the timeline can vary depending on government notifications and special circumstances, such as changes to tax forms or extensions granted due to unforeseen events.
When you ask when does ITR filing starts, you’re essentially asking when this return filing period begins. For FY 2024-25, the official start date for ITR filing has shifted to 30th May 2025, giving taxpayers a slightly delayed but clear opening window. Taxpayers preparing to file should also consider how other compliance steps like GST registration and obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate may affect their filing timelines.
To understand why this matters, you must also know the difference between the Financial Year (FY) — the year in which you earn income — and the Assessment Year (AY) — the year in which that income is assessed and taxes are filed. This relationship between AY vs FY directly impacts the timing of your ITR filing.
When Does ITR Filing Start for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
So, when does ITR filing starts for the current financial year? The Income Tax Department has officially announced the filing portal will open on 30th May 2025 for FY 2024-25, which corresponds to AY 2025-26. This is a delay compared to the usual start date of April 1st.
Reasons for this shift include:
- Updates to ITR forms and utility software
- Technical improvements to the filing portal
- Alignment with new tax regulations and compliance measures
Understanding when does ITR filing starts is crucial so you don’t try to file too early or miss the opening date.
If you run a business, this delay in filing also gives extra time for completing related compliance such as Private Limited Company registration and filing required financial statements.
Key start dates to remember for FY 2024-25 filing:
- Start date for ITR filing: 30th May 2025
- Deadline for non-audit cases: 15th September 2025
- Deadline for audit-required taxpayers: 31st October 2025
- Deadline for transfer pricing cases: 30th November 2025
- Last date for belated returns: 31st March 2026
Knowing these key dates helps you plan your filing effectively once when does ITR filing starts.
Important ITR Filing Deadlines to Remember
To make sure you don’t miss out, here’s a breakdown of all the important deadlines related to when does ITR filing starts and the overall return filing period for FY 2024-25:
- The filing window officially opens on 30th May 2025 — this is the earliest you can submit your ITR for the year.
- For those whose accounts do not require audit, the deadline is 15th September 2025.
- Taxpayers needing audit reports must file by 31st October 2025.
- Transfer pricing cases have an extended deadline of 30th November 2025.
- If you miss these deadlines, belated returns can be filed up to 31st March 2026, but penalties may apply.
Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, so knowing when does ITR filing starts and adhering to the timelines is vital for smooth compliance.
Additionally, staying updated on related compliance topics such as GST return filing can help you avoid compounded penalties across different tax areas.
AY vs FY: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?
Understanding AY vs FY is fundamental to knowing when does ITR filing starts and which tax year your income pertains to.
- Financial Year (FY): This is the year in which you earn your income. It runs from April 1st of one year to March 31st of the next. For example, FY 2024-25 means income earned from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
- Assessment Year (AY): This is the year immediately following the FY, during which your income is evaluated and taxes are assessed. So, for FY 2024-25, the corresponding AY is 2025-26.
Simply put, you file your ITR in the AY for income earned in the previous FY. This is why knowing when does ITR filing starts is tied to the AY — the filing window always opens in the Assessment Year.
Consequences of Missing the ITR Start or End Dates
It’s important not to overlook when does ITR filing starts because missing deadlines can lead to:
- Interest charges on unpaid tax under Section 234A
- Late filing fees up to ₹10,000 under Section 234F
- Disqualification to carry forward losses to future years
- Delays or reduction in income tax refunds
- Possible notices or scrutiny from the tax department
Salaried employees, freelancers, and small business owners should especially keep track of when does ITR filing starts to avoid unnecessary penalties and hassles.
Who Benefits from the ITR Start Date Extension?
The new start date for ITR filing of 30th May 2025 benefits many taxpayers:
- Salaried Employees: Extra time to receive Form 16 from employers and organize documents.
- Freelancers and Digital Professionals: More time to compile invoices, bank statements, and other income proofs.
- Small Business Owners: Additional window to finalize audited accounts and file tax returns accurately.
- Tax Consultants and Professionals: More time to upgrade software tools and assist clients efficiently.
Understanding when does ITR filing starts helps these groups plan and file stress-free.
Tips to Prepare Before the ITR Window Opens
Before the official date of when does ITR filing starts, you should:
- Gather all relevant documents: Form 16, Form 26AS, bank statements, investment proofs, interest certificates.
- Decide between the old tax regime and the new tax regime based on your financial situation.
- Review capital gains, deductions, and expenses that can reduce your taxable income.
- Organize digital and physical copies for easy access during filing.
Preparing early will make the filing process faster and smoother once the start date for ITR arrives.
Why You Should File Early: Strategic Advantages
Filing your ITR soon after when does ITR filing starts offers many benefits:
- Faster processing and receipt of refunds
- Avoidance of late fees and penalties
- Less congestion on the Income Tax Department’s portal
- Time to revise or correct your ITR before final submission deadlines
Early filing can save you money and avoid last-minute stress.
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Conclusion
To sum up, the official start date for ITR filing for FY 2024-25 is 30th May 2025. Knowing when does ITR filing starts allows you to plan, prepare, and file your returns on time to avoid penalties and delays. Keep the return filing period and AY vs FY distinctions clear to file accurately.
Start gathering your documents now and be ready to file as soon as the portal opens. And when you’re ready, choose Finodha to make your filing experience easy and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does ITR filing begin for the current financial year?
ITR filing begins on 30th May 2025 for the FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
Q2. What is the first day to file ITR in India?
The first day to file ITR is usually April 1, but for FY 2024-25, it’s officially 30th May 2025.
Q3. How early can I file my ITR?
You can only file your ITR after the official start date for ITR; for FY 2024-25, it is 30th May 2025.
Q4. What is the difference between AY and FY?
FY is the year you earn income; AY is the year following FY when you file your taxes.
Q5. What happens if I miss the ITR filing deadline?
You may incur penalties, interest charges, and lose certain tax benefits.
Q6. Can I file a belated ITR?
Yes, but it must be done before 31st March 2026 with applicable late fees.
Q7. Who should file ITR first?
Salaried employees expecting refunds and taxpayers with simple returns should file early.
Q8. What documents do I need before filing ITR?
Form 16, Form 26AS, bank statements, investment proofs, and relevant receipts.
More Information: https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in/
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