The deadline to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) for most taxpayers, including salaried individuals, pensioners, and small businesses not requiring audit, ends today, September 15. Those who miss the due date face penalties, interest charges, and loss of certain tax benefits.

Penalties for late filing

If the return is not filed by the deadline, taxpayers can still file a belated return until December 31. However, under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, late filing attracts penalties.

• For income up to Rs5 lakh: penalty is capped at Rs1,000.
• For income above Rs5 lakh: penalty increases to Rs5,000.
  

Additionally, if any tax remains unpaid, Section 234A imposes an interest of 1% per month (or part thereof) until the return is filed.

Consequences of missing deadline

• Loss of certain tax benefits: Belated filers cannot carry forward specific losses such as business or capital losses.
• Restrictions on tax regime change: Taxpayers lose the option to switch between old and new tax regimes after the deadline.
• Refund delays: Those eligible for refunds will face delays compared to timely filers.
  

Steps to file before time runs out

• Gather documents: Form 16, Form 26AS, Annual Information Statement (AIS), bank interest certificates, and proofs of investments or deductions.
• Use the e-filing portal: File immediately to avoid last-minute portal congestion.
• Verify your return: Ensure the ITR is verified electronically or physically for it to be considered valid.
  

India’s economy recorded a sharp growth of 7.8% in the April-June quarter (Q1) of 2025-26, surpassing the earlier estimate of 6.5% and outpacing China’s 5.2% growth in the same period. The figure also marks a notable rise from the 6.5% growth in the corresponding quarter last year, making it the fastest expansion in the last five quarters.

Strong performance across key sectors

According to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the surge was driven primarily by the services sector, which expanded 9.3% compared to 6.8% a year ago, and the agriculture sector, which rose 3.7% against 1.5% last year.

The construction sector, however, witnessed a slowdown, growing 7.6% compared to 10.1% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal.

RBI’s earlier forecast

Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had projected a more modest Q1 growth of 6.5%, with overall real GDP growth for 2025-26 expected at 6.5%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra attributed the positive outlook to favorable conditions, including a good monsoon, lower inflation, and strong government capital expenditure.

He said, “The above normal southwest monsoon, lower inflation, rising capacity utilisation and congenial financial conditions continue to support domestic economic activity. The supportive monetary, regulatory and fiscal policies, including robust government capital expenditure, should also boost demand. The services sector is expected to remain buoyant, with sustained growth in construction and trade in the coming months.”

India remains fastest-growing major economy

With China reporting 5.2% growth in April-June, India has retained its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The latest figures highlight resilience in the face of external pressures, including recent US tariffs on Indian imports.

In the month of September, there are many changes occurring, particularly in the financial sector. Some changes will take effect on the first day, while others will be implemented later in the month. This list will affect people’s finances.

The deadline to update an individual’s Aadhaar card details for free is quickly approaching. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) extended the deadline from June 14 to September 14, 2023. This scheme is specifically for citizens who obtained their Aadhaar card 10 years ago and have yet to update their information. People can take this opportunity to update their details before it’s too late.

The nomination process for trading and demat accounts is mandatory for holders and the deadline for this has been extended by the Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The account holders have to make nominations or opt out of it before September 30.

People will need to update and link of Aadhaar identity documents with PAN cards. Those who have credit cards from Axis Bank will also experience the effects of these changes starting this month.

As per the updated terms and conditions, Axis Bank’s Magnus credit card users need to pay higher fees. The annual fee has been increased to Rs 12,500. Also, the benefits associated with the card will be updated.  

This month marks the final opportunity for individuals to exchange Rs 2,000 notes. As stated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in May, individuals may exchange or deposit these notes into their bank accounts before the specified deadline.

The central bank has specified that individuals may exchange or deposit for lower denomination notes, up to Rs 20,000 at a time, until September 30th. Interestingly, even after the deadline, Rs 2,000 notes will still be considered valid tender.

Starting from the current financial year, the Ministry of Finance has made it mandatory to provide both Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Aadhaar card information when making investments in small saving schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF), Post Office Saving Scheme, and Senior Citizens Saving Scheme (SCSS). Existing subscribers must submit their Aadhaar number before September 30th, or their accounts will be frozen.