The government extended the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025–26 by one day, from September 15 to September 16, 2025. However, many taxpayers still missed this revised cut-off. If you are among them, there is no need to panic, as the Income Tax Department allows belated returns to be filed until December 31, 2025.
A belated return refers to an ITR filed after the due date. According to the rules, it can be submitted up to three months before the end of the assessment year, or before the completion of assessment, whichever comes earlier. This provision ensures that taxpayers who miss the official deadline still get an opportunity to comply with filing requirements.
Filing late, however, carries certain penalties and consequences. Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, individuals with an income above Rs 5 lakh will have to pay a penalty of Rs 5,000, while those with income up to Rs 5 lakh face a smaller late fee capped at Rs 1,000. Additionally, interest charges may be levied under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
Another drawback of filing a belated ITR is the inability to carry forward most types of losses, except for house property loss and unabsorbed depreciation. Tax refunds, if applicable, may also be delayed, and late returns are more likely to come under scrutiny by the tax department. Despite these downsides, it is still advisable to file a belated return rather than not filing at all. Filing by December 31, 2025 keeps you compliant with the law, helps avoid heavier penalties, and ensures that you do not miss out on claiming eligible tax refunds.
