As of today, September 12, 2025, the deadline to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the Financial Year 2024-25 is just a few days away—September 15, 2025.
Taxpayers, CAs, and industry bodies are urging the government for another extension, citing persistent technical glitches on the e-filing portal and delays in releasing updated utilities. Despite these widespread concerns, there has been no official announcement of an extension.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
Even if you miss the September 15 deadline, you can still file a belated return by December 31, 2025, but you will face penalties and other consequences:
- Late Fee: A penalty of up to ₹5,000 will be charged under Section 234F. This fee is reduced to ₹1,000 if your total income is less than ₹5 lakh.
- Interest Charges: You’ll have to pay interest on any unpaid tax at a rate of 1% per month.
- Loss of Benefits: You won’t be able to carry forward certain losses, such as capital losses or business losses, to offset against future income.
- Delayed Refunds: If you are due a tax refund, its processing will be significantly delayed.
How to File a Belated Return
The process for filing a belated return is similar to a regular one, but you must select Section 139(4) when you file. Remember, acting promptly is your best bet to avoid penalties and additional financial burdens.
With only a few days left, it’s crucial to file your ITR as soon as possible to avoid these hurdles.