The deadline for Income Tax Return (ITR filing) for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 was extended twice this year. Earlier in May, the due date was extended by 46 days till September 15. After this, another relief was given at the last moment and the deadline was extended by one day to 16th September. Despite this, many taxpayers could not complete their ITR filing on time.
Now the biggest question before them is what options are left for them after missing the deadline of 16th September?
Belated ITR filing: What can taxpayers do now?
Those who have not been able to file their income tax return by 16th September can still file their return. The option for this is belated ITR filing. The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to file a belated return even after the deadline. This time, the last date for filing a belated ITR is 31 December 2025. That is, you still have a chance to file the return, but some conditions and penalties are also attached to it.
Difference between belated ITR and revised ITR
Many people are confused about belated returns and revised returns. Belated ITR is the return that you file after the deadline. In this, you have to pay late fees and a penalty. On the other hand, a revised ITR means that you have already filed a belated ITR on time, but there was some mistake or omission in it. In such a situation, you can correct it and file a revised return. You can also file Revised ITR till 31 December 2025.
What if belated ITR is not filed even by 31 December?
If you missed the main deadline of 16 September and do not file ITR even by 31 December 2025, then the situation may be difficult for you. In such cases, you are at risk of getting a notice from the Income Tax Department. Apart from this, you will also lose benefits like losses carry forward. That is, it is very important to file a belated return on time.
Penalty on belated ITR filing
Taxpayers have to pay a penalty (late filing fee) for filing a belated return after missing the deadline. Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act:
Those whose income is more than Rs 5 lakh will be fined Rs 5,000 for filing belated ITR.
For those whose income is less than Rs 5 lakh, the late fee has been kept at Rs 1,000.
Apart from this, if tax liability arises, interest will also have to be paid on it.
Why is it important to file ITR on time?
This year, there have been a record number of ITR filings. Over 7.53 crore ITRs were filed until the close of the September 16 deadline, and despite extending the deadline several times, lakhs of taxpayers could not file returns on time. Filing ITR on time not only provides relief to taxpayers from penalty and interest but it also proves to be an important document in matters like income proof, loan approval and visa processing.