Many taxpayers panic when they miss the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline (usually 31 december for the previous financial year). The good news is that all is not lost — you can still file your return and claim your tax refund, provided you act within the permitted window.
1. The Late Filing Window
- According to the Income Tax Act, Section 139(4), taxpayers can file a belated ITR up to 31 march of the assessment year.
- For example, for FY 2025‑26 (AY 2026‑27), if you missed the 31 december 2025 deadline, you can still file your return by 31 march 2026.
- Late filing allows you to claim refunds, but may involve penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes.
2. Refund Eligibility
- If your employer or bank has deducted excess TDS, or if you have eligible deductions (like home loan interest, insurance premiums, etc.), you can still get a refund by filing a belated return.
- The Income Tax Department will process the refund after verifying your ITR, even if it’s filed late.
3. Penalties for Late Filing
- Filing after the due date may attract a late filing fee:
- Interest may also apply on any unpaid tax liability at 1% per month (Section 234A).
4. Steps to File a Belated ITR
Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in
Login with your PAN and password.
Select “File Belated/ Revised Return”.
Fill in income, deductions, and TDS details.
Verify and submit your ITR.
Check your refund status online after submission.
5. Important Tips
- Make sure your bank account is updated to receive refunds directly.
- Keep Form 26AS handy to match TDS deductions with your return.
- Even if you have missed the 31 december deadline, file your return as soon as possible — delays reduce your refund timeline.
💡 Bottom Line
Missing the ITR deadline doesn’t mean losing your tax refund. Filing a belated return within the allowed time ensures you can still claim excess TDS or eligible deductions. The key is not to wait too long — the later you file, the higher the chance of interest and penalties.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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