## [ITR Filing](https://www.harunraaj.com/services/itr-filing) Deadline AY 2025-26

The due date for filing Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25) is **31 July 2025** for individuals and HUFs who are not subject to tax audit under [Section 44AB](https://www.harunraaj.com/services/tax-audit-44ab) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

## Key Deadlines at a Glance

| Category | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Individuals / HUF (non-audit) | 31 July 2025 |
| Businesses requiring tax audit (§44AB) | 31 October 2025 |
| [Transfer pricing](https://www.harunraaj.com/services/transfer-pricing) cases (§92E) | 30 November 2025 |
| Belated return (§139(4)) | 31 December 2025 |
| Updated return (ITR-U under §139(8A)) | 31 March 2028 |

## What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing the 31 July deadline does not mean you cannot file — it means you file a **belated return** under Section 139(4). However, there are consequences:

### Late Filing Fee — Section 234F
- ₹5,000 if total income exceeds ₹5 lakh
- ₹1,000 if total income is ₹5 lakh or below
- **NIL** if total income is below the basic exemption limit (₹2.5 lakh for individuals below 60; ₹3 lakh for senior citizens; ₹5 lakh for super senior citizens)

### Interest — Section 234A
Simple interest at **1% per month** (or part of a month) on the outstanding tax liability from the due date until the date of actual filing.

### Loss of Carry-Forward Rights
Under Section 80, losses from capital gains, business, and speculation can only be carried forward if the ITR is filed on or before the due date. Belated return filers lose this right.

### Cannot File Revised Return
A belated return can itself be revised under Section 139(5) up to 31 December 2025, but the flexibility is reduced.

## What Is an Updated Return (ITR-U)?

The Finance Act 2022 introduced Section 139(8A), allowing taxpayers to file an **Updated Return (ITR-U)** within two years of the end of the assessment year. For AY 2025-26, this means until 31 March 2028. You pay additional tax of 25%–50% of the incremental tax, but it helps avoid scrutiny and penalties.

## Action Checklist Before 31 July 2025

1. Download and reconcile your **AIS (Annual Information Statement)** and **Form 26AS** from the e-Filing portal
2. Collect **Form 16** from your employer (due by 15 June)
3. Gather bank interest certificates, capital gains statements, rental income details
4. Choose between **old regime and new regime** — model both scenarios
5. File and **e-verify within 30 days** (Rule 12(3), Income Tax Rules — failing to e-verify means return is treated as not filed)

*Harun Raaj & Associates offers CA-assisted ITR filing from ₹999. File before the rush — slots fill up in July.*

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the due date for filing ITR for AY 2025-26?

The due date for filing Income Tax Returns for AY 2025-26 is 31 July 2025 for individuals and HUFs not subject to tax audit under Section 44AB. For businesses requiring tax audit, the deadline is 31 October 2025, and for transfer pricing cases under Section 92E, it is 30 November 2025.

### What is the penalty for late filing of ITR after 31 July 2025?

Under Section 234F, a late filing fee of ₹5,000 applies if total income exceeds ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if total income is ₹5 lakh or below. Additionally, interest under Section 234A at 1% per month on outstanding tax is charged from the due date until actual filing.

### Can I still file ITR after the belated return deadline of 31 December 2025?

Yes, under Section 139(8A) introduced by Finance Act 2022, you can file an Updated Return (ITR-U) within two years of the end of the assessment year — i.e., until 31 March 2028 for AY 2025-26. However, an additional tax of 25%–50% of the incremental tax liability applies.

### Will I lose the right to carry forward losses if I file a belated return?

Yes. Under Section 80 of the Income Tax Act, losses from capital gains, business, and speculation can only be carried forward if the ITR is filed on or before the due date. Filing a belated return under Section 139(4) forfeits this carry-forward right.

### Is e-verification mandatory after filing ITR for AY 2025-26?

Yes. Under Rule 12(3) of the Income Tax Rules, the return must be e-verified within 30 days of filing. Failure to e-verify means the return is treated as not filed, which triggers the same consequences as non-filing including late fees under Section 234F.

I'm CA Harun Raaj, Visakhapatnam. If any of this affects you or your business, reach out — I'd be glad to help.

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## See Also

- [Your RSUs Are Not Just Salary: The Two Separate Disclosures Required in AY 2026-27 ITR](https://www.harunraaj.com/blog/schedule-fa-rsu-foreign-assets-itr-2-ay-2026-27)
- [ESOP Tax Deferral for Startup Employees: The 48-Month Mechanism Most Tax Advisors Misexplain](https://www.harunraaj.com/blog/esop-tax-deferral-80-iac-startup-employees)
- [Section 80-IAC Tax Holiday: How Startups Actually Get the IMB Certificate](https://www.harunraaj.com/blog/section-80-iac-imb-certificate-startup-tax-holiday)

Canonical: https://www.harunraaj.com/blog/itr-filing-deadline-2025-26