Missed ITR Deadline? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Belated Returns

Many taxpayers missed their income tax return filing before the deadline i.e., September 16, 2025. However, they still have a chance to file their belated return.

A belated return is filed when a taxpayer misses the deadline for filing the original return. A belated return comes under section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. For assessment year 2025-26, taxpayers can file a return up to December 31, 2025. However, it comes with a penalty of Rs 1,000/5,000 and interest under section 234A/B/C and also leads to the loss of certain advantages as well, including carrying forward losses.

Who is eligible to file a belated return under section 139(4)?

• Individuals with taxable income exceeding the prescribed limit.
• Salaried individuals must file if their income surpasses the taxable threshold.
• Business owners, professionals, and companies are obligated to file income tax returns.
• Individuals with signing authority in foreign accounts are required to file returns.
• Individuals subject to audit due to turnover or gross receipts exceeding the prescribed limit must file by the specified due date.
• Individuals who have deposited an amount exceeding Rs. 1 crore during a financial year in a current account held with a cooperative bank or a bank.
• Those seeking a refund of excess taxes paid during the financial year must file an income tax return.
• Individuals who have spent more than 2 lakh on foreign travel in the relevant year.
• Non-resident Indians (NRIs) with income sourced in India or foreign income deemed to be received in India may need to file returns.

How to file a belated return?

Here’s how you can file a belated return:

Step 1: Log in to your account on the income tax e-filing website.

Step 2: Go to File Income Tax Return, click on e-File, then choose ‘Income Tax Returns‘ and select ‘File Income Tax Return.’

Step 3: Enter the assessment year and filing mode.

Step 4: Choose applicable ITR form.

Step 5: Verify your personal details by clicking the ‘Personal Information‘ section.

Step 6: Lastly, scroll down to the filing section and select section 139(4).