ITR Filing Deadline 2025: What Happens If You Miss the 15 September Deadline?
Share this article:
The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26 is fast approaching on 15 September 2025. For salaried individuals, freelancers, professionals, and businesses, this date marks a crucial cut-off. But what happens if you miss it? The penalties and consequences may be harsher than you expect.
Late Filing Penalty Under Section 234F
Missing the ITR deadline attracts a penalty under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The fine depends on your income level:
Interest on Outstanding Tax Payments
If you owe taxes, filing late adds to your burden. Under Section 234A, you’ll be charged 1% interest per month (or part of the month) on the pending tax amount. This interest is in addition to the late filing penalty.
Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits
A major disadvantage of late filing is losing the ability to carry forward business losses or capital losses. For instance, stock market losses from FY25 cannot be set off against future gains if you file after the due date.
Refund Delays for Late Filers
Expect delays in your income tax refund if you miss the deadline. Early filers usually get refunds processed quickly, but late returns can take months longer to be credited.
Risk of Prosecution in Extreme Cases
Though rare, willful failure to file ITR can lead to prosecution by the Income Tax Department . In serious cases involving large incomes, black money, or fraudulent activity, punishment can range from three months to two years of imprisonment.
Can You File ITR After the Deadline?
Yes. You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2025, but it comes with penalties, interest charges, and loss of certain benefits. Moreover, the IT Department is increasing scrutiny on habitual late filers to boost tax compliance .
Will the ITR Deadline Be Extended in 2025?
Unlike previous years, when portal issues or GST-related challenges led to extensions, the government has hinted that an extension is unlikely this year - unless there are major technical glitches.
The 15 September 2025 ITR filing deadline is more than just a date - it’s the difference between smooth tax compliance and avoidable financial penalties. Filing on time not only saves money but also ensures faster refunds and keeps you in good standing with the tax authorities.
Late Filing Penalty Under Section 234F
Missing the ITR deadline attracts a penalty under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The fine depends on your income level:
- Income above ₹5 lakh → Late fee of ₹5,000.
- Income below ₹5 lakh → Penalty limited to ₹1,000.
- Below taxable limit → No penalty, unless you are obligated to file due to reasons like foreign income.
Interest on Outstanding Tax Payments
If you owe taxes, filing late adds to your burden. Under Section 234A, you’ll be charged 1% interest per month (or part of the month) on the pending tax amount. This interest is in addition to the late filing penalty.
Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits
A major disadvantage of late filing is losing the ability to carry forward business losses or capital losses. For instance, stock market losses from FY25 cannot be set off against future gains if you file after the due date.
Refund Delays for Late Filers
Expect delays in your income tax refund if you miss the deadline. Early filers usually get refunds processed quickly, but late returns can take months longer to be credited.
Risk of Prosecution in Extreme Cases
Though rare, willful failure to file ITR can lead to prosecution by the Income Tax Department . In serious cases involving large incomes, black money, or fraudulent activity, punishment can range from three months to two years of imprisonment.
Can You File ITR After the Deadline?
Yes. You can still file a belated return until 31 December 2025, but it comes with penalties, interest charges, and loss of certain benefits. Moreover, the IT Department is increasing scrutiny on habitual late filers to boost tax compliance .
Will the ITR Deadline Be Extended in 2025?
Unlike previous years, when portal issues or GST-related challenges led to extensions, the government has hinted that an extension is unlikely this year - unless there are major technical glitches.
The 15 September 2025 ITR filing deadline is more than just a date - it’s the difference between smooth tax compliance and avoidable financial penalties. Filing on time not only saves money but also ensures faster refunds and keeps you in good standing with the tax authorities.
Next Story