Stox N Tax

Missed the ITR Deadline for FY 2024-25? Here’s What You Can Still Do

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Was the Due Date for ITR Filing in FY 2024-25?
  3. Can You File a Belated Return?
  4. Penalties and Interest on Belated ITR
  5. Refunds in Case of Belated ITR
  6. Step-by-Step Guide to File Belated ITR
  7. Key Mistakes to Avoid
  8. FAQs

1. Introduction

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing due date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) was 15th September 2025. Many taxpayers could not meet the deadline due to delays in receiving Form 16, mismatches in pre-filled data, or personal reasons. If you missed it, don’t worry—you still have options. This article explains what you can do now, the penalties you may face, and how to correctly file a belated return.

2. What Was the Due Date for ITR Filing in FY 2024-25?

  • Individual taxpayers (non-audit cases): 15th September 2025
  • Businesses requiring audit: 31st October 2025
  • Transfer pricing cases: 30th November 2025

The extended due date for individuals in FY 2024-25 gave extra time, but many still missed the deadline.

3. Can You File a Belated Return?

Yes. If you missed the original due date, you can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act.

Belated returns allow you to comply with the law, but they come with certain costs.

4. Penalties and Interest on Belated ITR

If you file a belated return:

  • Late Fee (Section 234F):
    • ₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh
    • ₹5,000 if income exceeds ₹5 lakh
  • Interest on Tax (Section 234A, 234B, 234C):
    • 1% per month (or part thereof) on unpaid tax
    • Additional interest if advance tax not paid properly

Example:
If your tax liability is ₹50,000 and you missed the due date, filing in October will cost you around ₹500 in monthly interest plus ₹5,000 penalty.

5. Refunds in Case of Belated ITR

If you are eligible for a refund, filing late does not disqualify you—but it may cause:

  • Delayed processing
  • Lower chances of quick refunds
  • Possible rejection if errors remain

Pro tip: File as soon as possible, even if late, to claim your refund.

6. Step-by-Step Guide to File Belated ITR

  1. Visit Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
  2. Login using PAN and password.
  3. Choose ‘File Income Tax Return’.
  4. Select AY 2025-26.
  5. Pick Belated Return under Section 139(4).
  6. Fill in income details, deductions, and tax paid.
  7. Pay applicable penalty under Section 234F.
  8. Submit return and e-verify through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or DSC.

7. Key Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not reporting all income (interest, foreign income, capital gains).
  • Ignoring AIS and TIS data mismatch.
  • Forgetting to e-verify ITR (unverified returns are invalid).
  • Not paying penalty before submission.

8. FAQs

Q1. What if I miss even the belated return deadline (31st December 2025)?
➡️ You cannot file ITR voluntarily, only through condonation request to the Income Tax Department in rare cases.

Q2. Can I revise a belated return?
➡️ Yes, you can revise it before 31st December 2025 under Section 139(5).

Q3. Do salaried people with income below ₹5 lakh need to pay late fee?
➡️ No. If your income is below ₹5 lakh, maximum late fee is capped at ₹1,000.

Q4. Can I still carry forward losses if I file belated return?
➡️ No. Business and capital losses (except house property loss) cannot be carried forward if ITR is filed late.

Conclusion

Missing the ITR filing deadline is not the end of the road. You can still file a belated return by 31st December 2025 and stay compliant. Although penalties and interest apply, timely filing now prevents bigger problems later. Always cross-check your AIS/TIS data and verify your return to avoid notices.

👉 Start filing today at the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal.

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