As September 2025 arrives, it’s time to update your financial calendar, this month brings a series of crucial deadlines and regulatory changes that every individual should be aware of. Taxpayers have received a temporary relief as the due date for filing income tax returns (ITR) for FY 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) has been extended from the usual 31 July to 15 September.

Central government employees who are still part of the National Pension System (NPS) face a final call: they must decide by 30 September whether to remain in NPS or shift to the new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Meanwhile, SBI credit cardholders will need to track changes in reward-point eligibility and the revised Card Protection Plan (CPP) premiums that take effect this month. Additionally, some special fixed deposit schemes are nearing their closure date, and India Post is merging Registered Post with Speed Post. Missing these deadlines could lead to penalties, forfeited benefits, or loss of perks.

1. ITR Filing Deadline Extended to 15 September

What Has Changed

• The deadline for filing ITR for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) not requiring an audit has been extended to 15 September 2025.
• For taxpayers whose accounts require auditing, the due date continues to be 31 October 2025.

Why It Matters

• Salaried taxpayers get more time to file their returns, especially helpful when Form 16 or filing utilities were delayed.
• However, if there is tax payable beyond 31 July, interest under the relevant sections still applies until settlement.

2. NPS to UPS Pension Switch

Key Deadline

• Central government employees must decide by 30 September 2025 whether to remain in the National Pension System (NPS) or migrate to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Implications

• This choice is final and irrevocable once exercised.
• Employees must carefully evaluate long-term retirement benefits before opting in or out.

3. SBI Credit Card Updates

Reward Point Eligibility Changes (Effective 1 September)

• Certain SBI cards, including Lifestyle Home Centre, Home Centre Select, and Prime, will no longer earn reward points for transactions made on:
  • Digital gaming platforms
  • Government transactions
  • Select merchant categories

Card Protection Plan (CPP) Changes (Effective 16 September)

• All existing CPP customers will be automatically moved to revised plans upon renewal.
• Updated premiums are:
  • Classic: ₹999
  • Premium: ₹1,499
  • Platinum: ₹1,999

4. Additional Financial Watchpoints

Special Fixed Deposit Schemes – Last Date: 30 September

• Indian Bank: Special 444-day and 555-day fixed deposit schemes.
• IDBI Bank: Special 444-day, 555-day, and 700-day fixed deposits.
• Investors looking for higher returns under these schemes must act before expiry.

Mail Services: Registered Post Merged with Speed Post (from 1 September)

• India Post has merged Registered Post with Speed Post.
• All registered mail will now be treated and delivered through the Speed Post network.

September 2025 is shaping up as a decisive month for taxpayers, government employees, credit card users, and small investors alike. The extended ITR deadline provides relief but demands timely compliance. Pension scheme choices will determine retirement outcomes for lakhs of employees. SBI cardholders must adapt to reward points and CPP changes, while depositors need to move quickly to secure high-yield FD schemes. Even postal service users should take note of operational changes. Staying alert to these deadlines will not only prevent penalties but also help individuals optimise benefits and make informed financial decisions.