If you earn any taxable income in India, the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline is something you can’t ignore. Missing it can mean penalties, interest, and a lot of stress. Below we break down the main dates, what happens if you’re late, and a few simple tricks to make sure you’re on track.
For most individual taxpayers, the deadline is 31 July of the assessment year (the year after the financial year you’re reporting). That means for income earned in FY 2023‑24, you have until 31 July 2025 to file.
If you’re a senior citizen (age 60+) or a super senior (age 80+), the government sometimes extends the date by a few days. In recent years, the extra days were just five, pushing the deadline to 5 August. Keep an eye on any official notice from the Income Tax Department for those tiny extensions.
Business owners, freelancers, and those with audit requirements have a later deadline – usually 30 September. The extra time helps them gather more paperwork, but it’s still wise to aim for the July deadline if possible.
1. Start early. Gather Form 16, Form 26AS, and bank statements as soon as the financial year ends. Having everything in one folder saves hours later.
2. Use the official portal. The Income Tax e‑filing website is user‑friendly. Register, log in, and follow the step‑by‑step guide. The system validates most errors before you submit.
3. Double‑check your deductions. Common sections like Section 80C, 80D, and 80G can reduce your tax bill. Make sure you’ve claimed the right amounts; a missed deduction can cost you money.
4. Set a reminder. Mark the deadline on your phone calendar a week in advance. A simple alarm can prevent last‑minute panic.
5. File even if you owe tax. Paying the tax later still incurs interest, but the penalty for late filing is higher. Submit the return on time, then settle any dues as soon as you can.
If you do miss the deadline, the penalty starts at ₹5,000 for a delay of up to three months. It can rise to ₹10,000 if the return is filed after six months, and for very late filings it can be 5% of the tax due, capped at ₹10,000.
Remember, the tax department sends a notice for late filing, and ignoring it can lead to a bigger hassle. Respond quickly, file the return, and pay any interest to keep things clean.
In short, treat the ITR filing deadline like any other important appointment – plan, prepare, and act early. With the right checklist and a bit of discipline, you’ll avoid penalties and get your taxes done without any drama.
India has pushed the individual ITR due date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) to Sept 15, 2025. Audit cases must file by Oct 31, and those with transfer pricing reports by Nov 30. Miss it, and late fees under Section 234F and 1% monthly interest kick in. Belated returns are allowed till Dec 31, and ITR-U can fix misses later—at a higher cost. Refunds often slow down for late filers.
View more