Missed the ITR Deadline? Don’t Panic! A Guide to Filing a Belated Return

You’ve missed the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline, but don’t worry—you can still file a belated return. While it’s a good idea to get it done as soon as possible to minimize penalties, the government allows taxpayers to file a belated return up to December 31, 2025, for the financial year 2024-25.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

What Happens When You File a Belated Return?

Filing a belated return is similar to filing a regular one, but there are some key differences to be aware of:

• Penalties: You may face a penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act.
• Interest Charges: Interest is charged on any unpaid tax under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
• No Loss Carry-Forward: You generally can’t carry forward losses to offset against future income, which is a major reason to file on time.

Why You Should Still File

Even with the penalties, filing a belated return is crucial. It helps you avoid more significant complications down the line, especially when applying for loans, visas, or other financial services.

How to File a Belated ITR

The process is straightforward and is done through the official Income Tax portal.

1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal.
2. Go to e-File > Income Tax Return.
3. Select the assessment year 2025-26 and the correct ITR form for your income type.
4. Crucially, select the “Belated Return” option.
5. Fill in your details, pay any taxes due (plus penalties and interest), and submit the return.
6. Finally, verify your ITR using Aadhaar OTP, Net Banking, or by mailing a signed copy to the CPC in Bangalore.

Filing as soon as possible will help you avoid higher interest charges.