| Category of Taxpayer |
ITR Filing Due Date |
| Individuals & HUF (Not Requiring Audit) |
July 31, 2025 |
| Businesses Requiring Tax Audit |
October 31, 2025 |
| Businesses Requiring TP Report (Transfer Pricing Audit) |
November 30, 2025 |
| Revised return |
December 31, 2025 |
| Belated Return Filing (Late ITR Submission) |
December 31, 2025 |
What Happens If You Miss the ITR Filing Deadline?
Failing to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) within the due date can lead to several financial and legal consequences. Here’s what happens if you miss the deadline:
Late Filing Penalty (Section 234F)
- If you file your ITR after July 31, 2025, but before December 31, 2025, a late fee of ₹5,000 is applicable.
- If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the penalty is reduced to ₹1,000.
- Filing after December 31, 2025, may result in further legal consequences.
Interest on Tax Due (Section 234A)
- If you have unpaid tax, an interest of 1% per month is charged from the due date (July 31, 2025) until the date of filing.
Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits
- Losses from business, capital gains, or other sources (except house property) cannot be carried forward to offset future income.
- If you file your return late, you forfeit the benefit of adjusting losses in subsequent years.
Delay in Refund Processing
- If you are eligible for an income tax refund, filing late can delay the refund process.
- The Income Tax Department may take longer to process your refund request.
Risk of Notice or Scrutiny from IT Department
- Non-filing or late filing may attract an Income Tax Department notice under Section 142(1) or 148, asking for an explanation or compliance.
- Repeated failure to file ITR can lead to additional scrutiny or legal proceedings.
Prosecution & Higher Penalties (For High-Income Taxpayers)
- If you owe more than ₹10,000 in taxes and fail to file your ITR, you may face higher penalties and legal consequences.
- In extreme cases, prosecution under Section 276CC can lead to imprisonment for up to 7 years.
Impact on Loan & Visa Approvals
- ITR serves as proof of income and financial stability.
- Late or missing ITR filings can affect home loans, car loans, or visa applications, as banks and embassies often require ITR documents.
Missed the Income Tax Return Deadline? Here’s What You Can Do
If you have missed the due date for filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), don’t panic. You still have options to comply with tax regulations and avoid further complications. Here’s what you can do:
File a Belated Return (Section 139(4))
If you missed the ITR filing deadline, you can still submit a belated return before December 31, 2025. However, late filing comes with certain consequences:
Penalty: A late fee of ₹5,000 under Section 234F (₹1,000 if total income is below ₹5 lakh).
Interest Charges: If you have unpaid tax, interest at 1% per month will be levied under Section 234A until payment is made.
Loss Carry Forward Restriction: Except for house property losses, you cannot carry forward other losses to the next financial year.
Update Your Return Using ITR-U (Section 139(8A))
If you realize later that you have missed reporting any income or made an error in your return, the ITR-U (Updated Return) facility allows you to make corrections.
Eligibility: You can file an updated return within two years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
Additional Tax: A penalty of 25% to 50% of the unpaid tax is applicable, depending on when you file the updated return.
When to Use ITR-U: If you have omitted income, claimed excessive deductions, or failed to file within the due date, ITR-U helps you correct these mistakes.
FAQ's About ITR Filing Due Dates
1. What is the due date for filing ITR for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)?
For individuals and non-audit taxpayers, the due date for filing ITR is 31st July 2025. For taxpayers requiring an audit, the deadline is 31st October 2025.
2. What happens if I file my ITR after the due date?
Late filing of ITR attracts a penalty of ₹5,000 under Section 234F. If your total income is below ₹5 lakh, the penalty is reduced to ₹1,000. Interest under Section 234A is also applicable on unpaid taxes.
3. Can I file my ITR after the due date?
Yes, you can file a belated return under Section 139(4) until 31st December 2025. However, penalties and interest charges may apply.
4. What is the last date to file a revised ITR?
If you make any errors in your originally filed ITR, you can revise it under Section 139(5) before 31st December 2025.
5. What is ITR-U, and when can it be filed?
ITR-U (Updated Return) allows taxpayers to update their return within two years from the end of the relevant assessment year. It is useful for correcting omitted income or errors in the original return.
