According to the Income Tax Department, as of September 16:
- 13.43 crore individual users registered on the portal
- 6.51 crore returns verified
- 7.53 crore returns filed
- 4.01 crore verified ITRs processed
Filing a belated return: What you need to know
Missing the ITR deadline does not prevent you from filing. Taxpayers can still submit a belated return under the Income Tax Act.
Filing a belated return allows individuals to report their income and pay any tax due, though penalties and interest may apply.
Key points about belated returns:
- You can file a belated return up to December 31 of the assessment year (for AY 2025-26, that is December 31, 2025).
- Late filing may attract a penalty of up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F.
- Interest is charged on any unpaid tax under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C.
- Filing is essential if you wish to carry forward losses or avoid complications in loans, visas, and financial transactions.
How to file a belated ITR
Filing a belated ITR is similar to filing a regular ITR, but you must select “Belated Return” while submitting online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log in to the Income Tax Portal using your PAN and password.
- Navigate to e-File > Income Tax Return.
- Select the Assessment Year (AY 2025-26).
- Choose the ITR form applicable to your income type.
- Tick the “Belated Return” option.
- Fill in your income details, deductions, and tax paid.
- Verify your tax computation and submit the ITR.
- Verify your ITR using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC, Bangalore.
Experts recommend filing belated returns as soon as possible to minimise penalties and interest.
