New ITR Filing Due Dates for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26): Key Deadlines, Penalties & Filing Options

As the new tax season begins, taxpayers across India must gear up to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the financial year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26). Filing your ITR on time isn’t just about compliance—it helps you avoid penalties, get timely refunds, and access key tax benefits.

In this guide, we’ll break down the latest ITR filing due dates, including:

• Regular ITR deadlines
  
  
• Belated and revised return timelines
  
  
• Consequences of late filing
  
  
• Updated ITR (ITR-U) options
  
  

Financial Year vs Assessment Year: What’s the Difference?

Before diving into the dates, here’s a quick refresher:

• Financial Year (FY): This is the period in which you earn income—from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 (FY 2024–25).
  
  
• Assessment Year (AY): The following year when your income is assessed and taxed—in this case, AY 2025–26.
  
  

When Can You Start Filing ITR for FY 2024–25?

The Income Tax Department has already notified ITR Forms 1–7. Online filing utilities for ITR-1 (Sahaj) and ITR-4 (Sugam) are live. As soon as the utility for your applicable ITR form is released, you can start e-filing your return.

ITR Filing Due Dates for FY 2024–25 (AY 2025–26)

⚠️ Note: The usual deadline for individuals is July 31, but the CBDT has extended it to September 15, 2025, for FY 2024–25.

Missed the Deadline? Here’s What You Can Do

If you fail to file your ITR by September 15, 2025, you can still file a belated return till December 31, 2025—but with penalties.

Penalty Structure for Late Filing (Section 234F):

• Income above ₹5 lakh: ₹5,000 penalty
  
  
• Income below ₹5 lakh: ₹1,000 penalty
  
  
• Income below exemption limit: No penalty
  
  

Other Consequences of Missing the Deadline:

1. Interest under Section 234A:
   1% per month on unpaid taxes from due date until filing.
   
   
2. Loss of Tax Regime Choice:
   Miss the deadline = default to new tax regime (you lose the option to choose the old regime).
   
   
3. No Carry Forward of Losses:
   Missed ITR = you can’t carry forward losses from capital markets, business, or property.
   
   

Filed Incorrectly? You Can Revise Your ITR

Made a mistake in your original filing? You can revise your return until December 31, 2025.

🧾 Example:
Akshat files his ITR on July 26, 2025. He realizes on October 4 that he missed claiming a deduction. He can file a revised return by December 31, 2025.

After December 31: File an Updated Return (ITR-U)

If you miss both the regular and belated deadlines, you can still file an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A).

Updated ITR Timeline & Additional Tax:

Note: This option is not available if you’re under scrutiny or prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the last date to file ITR for FY 2024–25?
   → The deadline is September 15, 2025, for individuals not requiring audit.
2. Can I file after the deadline?
   → Yes, via belated return (by Dec 31, 2025) or ITR-U (up to 48 months with penalty).
3. What’s the penalty for filing late?
   → ₹5,000 if income > ₹5L; ₹1,000 if < ₹5L; none if below exemption limit.
4. Will I get my refund if I file late?
   → You can still get a refund, but expect delays.
5. Can I choose my tax regime after the deadline?
   → No. Filing after the deadline limits you to the new tax regime by default.

Conclusion

Filing your ITR on time isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a smart financial move. Avoid penalties, safeguard your tax benefits, and stay ahead of the curve.