What should I do if I haven't filed my ITR by September 16th? Can I still file it?

ITR Rules: If you haven't filed your ITR by September 16th, can you still file it? Learn the rules and the filing penalty.

ITR Rules: Everyone is required to file their income tax returns by the due date. This year's deadline was September 16, 2025. However, many people haven't been able to file their income tax returns by that date. This raises questions about whether they can still file their income tax returns and what procedures they must follow.

So, people also want to know what the penalty will be if they miss the deadline, and whether they can choose between the old tax regime and the new tax regime as per their preference. Let us explain the details.

Can I still file my ITR?

If you missed the September 16, 2025, deadline, you can still file your Income Tax Return (ITR). This is called a belated ITR, and under the Income Tax Act, returns can generally be filed up to two years after the end of the financial year. However, late filing may result in a penalty, which can be up to ₹5,000.

In addition, if you have a tax liability, you will also have to pay 1% interest per month under Section 23A. You can use a digital portal or e-filing website to file a belated ITR. You will also need to have your PAN, bank account, and other necessary documents ready. This is how you can file your belated ITR.

What is the deadline for filing a belated ITR?

For this year's tax season, i.e., 2024-25, the last date for filing a belated ITR is December 31, 2025. This means that those who couldn't file their returns by September 16, 2025, can still submit them by that date. However, late filing will incur a late filing penalty.

So, if you missed the September 16, 2025, deadline, file your return as soon as possible so you don't miss the December 1, 2025, deadline. Otherwise, you could face a loss.