Filing Late ITR: What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Disclaimer: This blog is generic in nature. Ujjivan SFB does not offer any personal finance products or services. For ITR-related queries, kindly consult a tax expert.

September 17, 2025

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September 16, 2025, was the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for individuals not required to undergo an audit. If you missed it—don’t panic. You can still file your return, but it will be treated as a belated ITR, which comes with its own set of consequences and limitations.

 

A belated ITR for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26) can be filed until December 31, 2025. While this ensures compliance, taxpayers should know the potential penalties, restrictions, and tax disadvantages.

 

 

Why Filing Belated ITR Matters?

 

If you are legally required to file a return but fail to do so, the penalties are far more severe than filing late. A belated ITR may attract late fees, interest, and loss of tax benefits—but it is still far better than not filing at all

 

 

Consequences of Filing After the Due Date

Tax experts warn that missing the original ITR deadline can trigger multiple consequences:

 

  • Late Filing Fee (Section 234F): Up to ₹5,000 for income above ₹5 lakh. ₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh.
  • Interest on Tax Due: Applicable under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
  • Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits: Only house property loss and unabsorbed depreciation can be carried forward.
  • Delayed Refunds: Refund processing may take longer.
  • Higher Scrutiny Risk: Late filers may face closer review by the Income Tax Department.

 

 

Impact on Tax Regime Selection

From AY 2024–25, the new tax regime is the default. To opt for the old regime, you must file your return before the due date under Section 139(1).

 

If you miss the deadline:

 

  • You cannot switch from the new regime to the old one.
  • Deductions such as HRA, LTA, home loan benefits, and 80C investments cannot be claimed.

 

This could mean a higher tax outgo if the old regime was more beneficial in your case.

 

 

Legal Consequences of Non-Filing

Not filing an ITR when legally required is more than a financial risk:

 

  • Prosecution possible: Non-filing can lead to imprisonment from 3 months to 2 years, and up to 7 years if tax evasion exceeds ₹25 lakh.
  • Mandatory return filing triggers:
  1. Deposits over ₹1 crore in current accounts.
  2. Foreign travel expenses above ₹2 lakh.
  3. Electricity bill payments exceeding ₹1 lakh.
  4. Large savings deposits (₹50 lakh+)

 

 

Can a Belated ITR Be Revised?

Yes, but only until December 31, 2025. After this date, neither a belated return nor its revision will be possible.

 


How to File a Belated ITR

Filing is simple:

 

  1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
  2. Select Section 139(4) for belated returns.
  3. Complete the process as you would for a regular ITR.

Final Thoughts

Filing your ITR on time is always the best option. A belated return still keeps you compliant but comes at a cost—late fees, interest, and the loss of deductions. If you’ve missed the September 16, 2025 deadline, act fast and file before December 31, 2025 to avoid deeper financial and legal trouble.

 

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FAQs

1. What is the last date to file a belated ITR for FY 2024–25?

You can file a belated ITR until December 31, 2025.

2. Can I claim a refund if I file a belated ITR?

Yes, refunds can still be claimed in a belated return, subject to proper compliance.

3. Will I lose deductions under the old regime if I file late?

Yes. You can only opt for the old tax regime if you file on or before the due date. Belated returns default to the new regime.

4. Can a belated ITR be revised?

Yes, but revisions must be done before December 31, 2025.

5. What happens if I don’t file my ITR at all?

Non-filing may attract penalties, interest, and even prosecution with possible imprisonment.

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