ITR Filing Last Date FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a mandatory and important financial responsibility for every eligible taxpayer in India. Whether you're a salaried individual, a business owner, or a freelancer, staying updated on the income tax return filing last date helps you avoid penalties, interest charges, and missed tax-saving opportunities. The Indian Income Tax Department sets different ITR deadlines based on taxpayer categories, and failure to meet these can result in additional costs and loss of certain benefits—like carrying forward capital losses or claiming refunds.

For the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 and Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the last day to file taxes without penalty is 31st July 2025 for most individuals. However, deadlines may differ for businesses, audited entities, or those requiring transfer pricing reports. This article outlines all the important ITR due dates, procedures, and consequences of late filing to help you stay compliant and worry-free during tax season.

When is the Last Date to File ITR?

The last date to file Income Tax Return (ITR) for Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 corresponding to Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26 is 31st July 2025 for most individual taxpayers. This includes salaried employees and those whose accounts are not subject to audit. Filing within this deadline ensures a smooth process without penalties or interest.

However, if you fail to file your return by this date, don’t worry—you can still file a belated return until 31st December 2025. But keep in mind, filing late will attract a penalty under Section 234F and interest under Section 234A, depending on your tax dues.

For businesses or professionals requiring a tax audit, the due date is 31st October 2025. If your business involves international or specified domestic transactions requiring a transfer pricing report, the ITR due date extends to 30th November 2025.

If you've already filed but discover an error later, you have until 31st December 2025 to submit a revised return.

These timelines may change if the government decides to extend due dates. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of official announcements and file your return as early as possible to avoid last-minute rush and errors.

Income Tax Filing Due Dates for FY 2024-25

Understanding the correct ITR filing due dates is essential to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth tax filing process. For the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25 and Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the income tax filing last date varies depending on the type of taxpayer.

For most individual taxpayers, salaried employees, HUFs, AOPs, and BOIs not requiring audit, the ITR filing last date is 31st July 2025. This is the most common deadline and applies if your accounts don’t need to be audited.

For taxpayers whose accounts are subject to a tax audit, the due date is 31st October 2025. In cases involving international transactions or transfer pricing reports, the filing deadline is further extended to 30th November 2025.

If you're unable to file by the due date, you can still submit a belated ITR or a revised return by 31st December 2025. As per the Budget 2025, you can also file an updated return within four years—until 31st March 2030.

Whether you're salaried or self-employed, it's important to mark these dates and file your return early to avoid late fees, interest, and stress.

What happens if you miss the ITR filing deadline?

Missing the ITR filing deadline can lead to several financial and legal consequences. If you do not file your return by the due date of 31st July 2025, you can still submit a belated ITR by 31st December 2025. However, this comes with certain penalties.

Firstly, under Section 234A, you’ll be charged interest at 1% per month or part month on the unpaid tax amount. In addition, under Section 234F, a late filing fee of ₹5,000 is applicable if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh. If your income is below ₹5 lakh, the fee is limited to ₹1,000.

Moreover, late filing affects your ability to carry forward losses from business, capital gains, or other sources. These losses can only be carried forward if the return is filed on time.

Even if you miss the belated return deadline, you can still file an updated return under Section 139(8A), introduced in Budget 2022, and extended in Budget 2025 to four years from the end of the assessment year.

To avoid penalties, loss of tax benefits, and unnecessary stress, it’s best to file your return well before the ITR deadline.

What are Financial Year (FY) and Assessment Year (AY)?

Understanding the difference between Financial Year (FY) and Assessment Year (AY) is important for filing your income tax return correctly. The Financial Year is the 12-month period during which you earn your income. In India, it starts on 1st April and ends on 31st March of the following year. So, income earned between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 falls under FY 2024-25.

The Assessment Year is the year immediately following the financial year, during which the income earned is assessed and taxed. For income earned in FY 2024-25, the AY is 2025-26.

When you file your income tax return, you're reporting the income earned in the financial year, but doing so in the assessment year. So, for all practical purposes—including ITR forms, deadlines, and tax calculations—it’s crucial to identify the correct AY that corresponds to your FY.

Budget 2025 Update

The Union Budget 2025 introduced a significant relief for taxpayers through a key update related to the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing framework. One of the most notable announcements was the extension of the time limit for filing an updated return—also known as ITR-U.

Previously, taxpayers who missed filing their original, revised, or belated return were allowed a two-year window from the end of the relevant Assessment Year (AY) to file an updated return. However, as per the new budget proposal, this window has been extended to four years, giving taxpayers additional time and flexibility to rectify omissions or mistakes made in their previous filings.

This change is aimed at promoting voluntary compliance and helping taxpayers correct any income disclosures, claim missed deductions, or pay unpaid taxes without waiting for a tax notice. It also provides a broader opportunity to report previously unreported income or correct factual errors in the original return.

For instance, for AY 2025-26, the last date to file an updated return will now be 31st March 2030, instead of the earlier 31st March 2028. This move is expected to improve transparency, reduce tax litigation, and increase the government’s tax collection.

Due Dates for Paying Advance Tax Instalments for FY 2025-26

If your total tax liability for the year exceeds ₹10,000, you are required to pay advance tax in installments during the financial year. This applies to salaried individuals, businesses, and professionals. Paying advance tax on time helps avoid interest under Sections 234B and 234C of the Income Tax Act.

Here are the key advance tax due dates for FY 2025-26:

• 15th June 2025 – 15% of total tax liability
• 15th September 2025 – 45% of total tax liability
• 15th December 2025 – 75% of total tax liability
• 15th March 2026 – 100% of total tax liability

For taxpayers opting for the presumptive taxation scheme, the entire tax amount (100%) must be paid by 15th March 2026.

Paying advance tax in the correct installments ensures smoother tax filing and prevents last-minute financial burdens or penalty charges.

TDS Payment Due Dates for FY 2024-25

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a vital part of India’s tax system where tax is deducted by the payer before making certain payments like salary, rent, or professional fees. Timely payment and filing of TDS are essential to avoid penalties and interest.

For FY 2024-25, here are the key TDS payment due dates:

7th of every month – This is the deadline to deposit TDS deducted in the previous month. For example, TDS deducted in April 2024 must be paid by 7th May 2024.

31st March – For TDS deducted in March, the due date remains 30th April, but depositing it earlier is advisable.

In addition to payments, you also need to file quarterly TDS returns:

• Q1 (April–June): 31st July 2024
• Q2 (July–September): 31st October 2024
• Q3 (October–December): 31st January 2025
• Q4 (January–March): 31st May 2025

Delays in payment or return filing can lead to disallowance of expenses and interest under Sections 201 and 234E. Timely compliance ensures smooth credit for deductees and prevents penalties.

TCS Payment Due Dates for FY 2024-25

Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is the tax collected by a seller from the buyer at the time of sale of specific goods or provision of services. Like TDS, timely TCS payments and filings are essential to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

For FY 2024-25, the TCS payment due dates are as follows:

7th of every month – TCS collected in a particular month must be deposited to the government by the 7th of the following month. For instance, TCS collected in April 2024 must be paid by 7th May 2024.

Along with payments, quarterly TCS return filings are also mandatory:

• Q1 (April–June): 15th July 2024
• Q2 (July–September): 15th October 2024
• Q3 (October–December): 15th January 2025
• Q4 (January–March): 15th May 2025

Late payment or delayed filing can result in interest, penalties, and complications for buyers claiming TCS credit. Hence, staying on top of TCS payment due dates is crucial for smooth tax compliance.

Not sure whether you should file an income tax return?

If you're confused about whether you need to file an Income Tax Return (ITR), consider a few key factors. You must file if your total income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh in a financial year, even if no tax is payable after deductions. Filing is also necessary if TDS has been deducted, or if you’ve earned capital gains, foreign income, or want to carry forward losses for future tax adjustments.

Even if your income is below the taxable limit, filing ITR can help in visa applications, loan approvals, and claiming refunds. It's a good financial habit that offers multiple long-term benefits. So, when in doubt, it’s always safer and smarter to file your return.

How to file ITR?

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a simple process if you follow the right steps. Start by collecting all necessary documents like Form 16, bank statements, TDS certificates, and investment proofs. Next, visit the official Income Tax e-Filing portal at incometax.gov.in.

Log in or register using your PAN number. Choose the correct ITR form based on your income type—for instance, ITR-1 is for salaried individuals. Fill in your personal details, income details, deductions under sections like 80C, and taxes paid.

Once done, review all the information carefully. Submit your return and proceed with e-verification. You can verify using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or EVC (Electronic Verification Code).

The ITR filing start date for AY 2025-26 is expected to be in April 2025, so it’s best to prepare early. Filing your return on time ensures faster refunds and helps avoid penalties or interest.

How to File a Missed ITR?

If you missed the ITR filing last date, you can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. For FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26), the last date to file a belated return is 31st December 2025. However, filing late attracts penalties under Section 234F and interest on unpaid taxes under Section 234A.

To file a belated return, visit the Income Tax e-Filing portal, choose the applicable ITR form, and select the option “Belated Return” under the “Return Filing Section.” Complete and verify the form just like a regular return.

Please note: if you file belatedly, you lose the benefit of carrying forward certain losses, such as capital losses or business losses.

If you miss the belated return deadline as well, you can still file an updated return within four years under Section 139(8A), as per the Budget 2025 update—but with additional taxes and conditions.

What to Keep in Mind When Filing a Late Return?

Filing your ITR after the due date is still possible, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, a late filing fee under Section 234F will be applicable—₹5,000 if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh, and ₹1,000 if it's below. Additionally, interest under Section 234A is charged at 1% per month on any unpaid taxes.

Another key point is that you cannot carry forward losses (like capital or business losses) if you miss the original deadline. Although you can still claim deductions and file a belated return by 31st December 2025, timely filing is always recommended.

If you miss even the belated return deadline, you still have the option to file an updated return within four years, but with additional tax liability. Planning and filing early can help you avoid these complications.

Conclusion

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) on time is not just a legal obligation—it’s a smart financial practice. Knowing the ITR filing last date for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) helps you avoid penalties, interest, and missed tax-saving opportunities. Whether you're a salaried employee, a business owner, or a freelancer, staying updated on due dates like the last day to file taxes, tax audit due date extension, or revised return due date is essential.

Even if you miss the deadline, options like belated ITR and updated returns offer second chances, though with added costs. Filing early ensures faster refunds, peace of mind, and better financial planning. Don’t wait—prepare your documents, mark your calendar, and file your return on time.