ITR Filing Last Date FY 2024-25: Complete Guide

As the Financial Year 2024-25 progresses, it’s crucial for taxpayers in India to stay updated with the ITR filing last date to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth compliance process. Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) is not only a legal obligation but also an essential step for maintaining financial discipline, claiming refunds, and availing credit facilities.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the income tax ITR filing last date, key deadlines, consequences of late filing, required documents, and step-by-step instructions on how to file your ITR for FY 2024-25.

What is ITR and Why is it Important?

Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that individuals, businesses, and other entities must file with the Income Tax Department of India to report their income, expenses, deductions, and taxes paid for a particular financial year.

Filing your ITR is important because:

• It is mandatory under the Income Tax Act for individuals whose income exceeds the basic exemption limit.
• It allows you to claim refunds on excess tax deducted or paid.
• It serves as proof of income for visa applications, loan approvals, and other financial transactions.
• It helps avoid penalties and legal consequences from the tax authorities.

ITR Filing Last Date FY 2024-25

The ITR filing last date for a financial year is the deadline by which taxpayers must submit their returns to the Income Tax Department. For the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, which runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the due dates vary based on the category of taxpayers.

Expected Last Dates to File ITR for FY 2024-25 Based on Taxpayer Categories

The ITR filing last date varies depending on the type of taxpayer and the nature of income or audit requirements. Below is a detailed overview of the expected due dates for different taxpayer categories under the Income Tax Act for FY 2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26):

1. Individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and Salaried Employees (Not Requiring Audit)

ITR Filing Last Date: 31st July 2025

This deadline applies primarily to salaried individuals, pensioners, freelancers, and HUFs whose total income exceeds the basic exemption limit but whose accounts do not require an audit under the Income Tax Act. These taxpayers typically file returns using ITR-1 or ITR-2 forms. This category represents the majority of taxpayers in India, and timely filing ensures faster processing of refunds and avoids penalties.

2. Businesses or Professionals Whose Accounts are Subject to Audit

ITR Filing Last Date: 31st October 2025

This due date is applicable to businesses, professionals, and firms whose turnover exceeds the audit threshold limits specified under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act. These entities must get their accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant before filing the return. This includes self-employed professionals, proprietors, and partnership firms engaged in trade or service activities where an audit is mandatory due to exceeding income thresholds. Since audit procedures can be time-consuming, a later deadline is provided for these taxpayers.

3. Companies or Entities Requiring Transfer Pricing Audit (Form 3CEB)

ITR Filing Last Date: 30th November 2025

This extended deadline is provided for companies and business entities that have undertaken international transactions or specified domestic transactions that fall under transfer pricing regulations. In such cases, a detailed Transfer Pricing Report under Form 3CEB must be submitted, certified by a qualified accountant. Preparing this report involves analyzing pricing strategies with related entities abroad or within specified domestic limits, making the compliance process more complex. Hence, additional time is granted for these taxpayers.

4. Belated or Revised Income Tax Returns

Last Date to File Belated or Revised ITR: 31st December 2025

If a taxpayer misses the original due date applicable to their category (e.g., 31st July or 31st October), they can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act by the end of the calendar year, i.e., 31st December 2025. Additionally, if a taxpayer discovers any errors or omissions in the return they have already filed, they can submit a revised return under Section 139(5) within the same timeframe. While this provides a second chance to comply, belated returns may attract late filing fees and result in the loss of benefits like carrying forward certain losses.

Income Tax Filing Due Dates for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

Here is the category of taxpayers and the respective Income tax return last date 2025,

"The Income Tax Return (ITR) last date for Assessment Year (AY) 2025–26 is: 15th September 2025 for individuals and non-audit cases, as per the extended deadline announced by the CBDT."

Consequences of Missing the ITR Filing Last Date

Missing the ITR filing deadline can lead to several significant consequences, both financial and procedural, which can cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience for taxpayers. It’s essential to understand the implications to avoid such situations.

Late Filing Fee under Section 234F

If a taxpayer fails to file their income tax return within the prescribed deadline, they become liable to pay a late filing fee under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. This fee can go up to ?5,000 if the return is filed after the due date but before December 31, 2025. However, in cases where the total income of the taxpayer does not exceed ?5 lakh, the late fee is restricted to ?1,000. Although the penalty may seem manageable, it's still an avoidable expense and adds to your financial burden unnecessarily.

Interest on Outstanding Tax under Section 234A

Apart from the penalty, interest is also charged on any unpaid tax liability under Section 234A. This interest accrues at the rate of 1% per month or part thereof from the due date of filing the return until the date of actual filing. This means that even a slight delay in filing can result in accumulating interest, especially if there's a significant amount of unpaid tax. The longer you delay, the more you owe—this interest is over and above the tax already due and the late filing fee.

Loss of Carry Forward of Losses

One of the most overlooked consequences of missing the income tax ITR filing last date is the loss of the ability to carry forward certain types of losses. Taxpayers are allowed to carry forward losses such as capital losses, business losses, and losses from other sources to offset them against future income, thereby reducing tax liability in subsequent years. However, if you fail to file your ITR within the due date, you forfeit this right. The only exception is for loss under the head “Income from house property,” which can still be carried forward even if the return is filed late. For taxpayers who engage in trading, investing, or operate businesses, this can lead to a substantial long-term financial impact.

Delay in Processing Refunds

Filing your return late can also lead to delays in receiving tax refunds. When you overpay taxes through TDS, advance tax, or self-assessment tax, the Income Tax Department processes a refund only after your return is filed and verified. If you delay filing, the refund process also gets pushed forward, which may affect your cash flow and financial planning. In some cases, delayed refunds can impact planned investments or financial obligations, especially for salaried individuals and small business owners who depend on that refund.

Increased Scrutiny and Legal Consequences

Another indirect but serious consequence of failing to file your ITR on time is the increased likelihood of scrutiny from the Income Tax Department. When you miss deadlines repeatedly or fail to file altogether, your profile may attract more attention from tax authorities. This can lead to notices, inquiries, or even prosecution in extreme cases, especially if there is a significant tax liability. The Income Tax Department has the authority to levy additional penalties, initiate legal proceedings, and even impose imprisonment in certain high-value non-compliance cases under Sections 276CC and related provisions.

Steps to Take After Missing the Income Tax Return Deadline

Below are the key steps for ITR filing after the due date:

1. Belated Return

If you miss the original ITR filing deadline, the law still allows you a second chance. According to Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, you can file a belated return after the due date but before 31st December of the assessment year. This helps you meet your legal obligation, but it comes with a few consequences. You must pay a late filing fee and interest on any unpaid taxes. You also lose the right to carry forward certain losses. However, you can still claim deductions and exemptions. So, you must not miss the last date to file your ITR or the income tax ITR filing last date.

2. Updated Return (ITR-U)

If you miss even the belated return deadline, the law still gives one final option. You can file an updated return under Section 139(8A) using Form ITR-U. This form lets you correct mistakes or report income that you forgot to declare earlier. You can use this option within 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year. For example, for income earned in FY 2024–25, you can file an updated return until 31st March 2030. However, this comes with some conditions. You must pay additional tax along with interest, and you cannot use this form to claim a refund or report a loss. This option helps you stay compliant with tax laws even after multiple missed deadlines.

Understanding Revised Returns under Section 139(5)

If you find mistakes in your filed ITR, you can easily submit a revised return. Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Filing a Revised Return

Sometimes, a taxpayer realises an error in the original Income Tax Return after filing it. This mistake may relate to missed income, wrong deductions, or incorrect personal details. In such cases, the Income Tax Department allows the person to submit a revised return. A revised return lets the taxpayer correct the earlier return and submit an accurate one without any penalty. This facility ensures that genuine errors do not cause trouble in future tax assessments or legal issues.

2. Deadline for Revised Return

The law permits an individual to submit a revised income tax return by 31st December of the applicable assessment year. For example, if a return is submitted for the financial year 2024–25, the related assessment year would be 2025–26. In this case, the person can revise the return at any time until 31st December 2025. After this date, the Income Tax Department does not accept a revised return unless the person opts for an updated return under different rules.

Deadlines for Paying Advance Tax Instalments for Financial Year 2025-26

Below is the schedule of important due dates to pay advance tax instalments for FY 2025-26:

In summary, missing the last date to file ITR is not just a minor lapse—it can lead to financial penalties, loss of benefits, interest payments, refund delays, and potential legal action. Timely filing is not just a best practice but a legal and financial responsibility that ensures peace of mind and financial stability.

Documents Required for ITR Filing

Before you file your ITR, keep the following documents ready:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Bank account details
• Form 16 (for salaried employees)
• Form 26AS (Tax Credit Statement)
• Annual Information Statement (AIS)
• Salary slips
• TDS certificates
• Investment proofs (80C, 80D, etc.)
• Capital gains statements (if applicable)
• Rental income details
• Interest certificates (from banks and other financial institutions)

How to File ITR for FY 2024-25

Follow these steps to file your income tax return online via the e-filing portal:

Step 1: Register or log in to Income Tax Portal

Use your PAN number and password to log in. First-time users must register.

Step 2: Select the Relevant Assessment Year

For FY 2024-25, choose Assessment Year 2025-26.

Step 3: Choose the Appropriate ITR Form

Select the correct ITR form based on your income source:

• ITR-1: Salaried individuals with income up to ?50 lakh
• ITR-2: Individuals and HUFs with income from capital gains
• ITR-3: Business or professional income
• ITR-4: Presumptive income

Step 4: Fill in the Details

Enter your personal information, income details, deductions, and taxes paid.

Step 5: Validate and Verify

Check for errors, validate the form, and e-verify using Aadhaar OTP, Net banking, or other available options.

Step 6: Submit and Acknowledge

Submit the form and download the acknowledgment (ITR-V) for your records.

ITR Forms for FY 2024-25

Here is a brief overview of the types of ITR forms applicability for FY 2024-25:

ITR-1: Salaried individuals with income ≤ ?50 lakh

ITR-2: Individuals/HUFs with income from capital gains or more than one property

ITR-3: Individuals with business/professional income

ITR-4: Presumptive income scheme under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, 44AE

ITR-5: LLPs, AOPs, BOIs

ITR-6: Companies other than those claiming exemption under Section 11

ITR-7: Persons including trusts, political parties, etc., claiming exemptions under Sections 139(4A) to 139(4F)

Tips to Ensure Timely ITR Filing

• Start early: Don’t wait for the deadline. Begin collecting documents and filing your return as early as possible.
• Verify Form 26AS and AIS: Cross-check your income and TDS entries with your Form 26AS and AIS.
• Claim eligible deductions: Ensure all deductions under Section 80C, 80D, 80G, etc., are claimed.
• Keep login credentials handy: Make sure you can access your income tax e-filing account.
• Consult a tax expert: For complex cases, seek help from a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Conclusion

Understanding and remembering the ITR filing last date for FY 2024-25 is crucial for all taxpayers in India. Filing your return on time helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and possibly receive refunds faster. Whether you're a salaried professional, a business owner, or a freelancer, ensure you mark 31st July 2025 (or your applicable due date) on your calendar.

Stay updated with the latest tax announcements and changes on the official Income Tax Department website. Contact Online Legal India to get filed of all your complicated ITR on time with complete compliance.

FAQs:

Q1. What is the last date to file ITR for FY 2024-25?

The last date to file ITR for individuals not requiring audit is 31st July 2025.

Q2. Can I file ITR after the due date?

Yes, you can file a belated return till 31st December 2025, but with a penalty.

Q3. What if I miss the income tax ITR filing last date?

You may incur late fees, interest, and lose the benefit to carry forward losses.

Q4. Is ITR filing mandatory for everyone?

It is mandatory if your income exceeds the basic exemption limit or if you meet specific criteria laid out under the Income Tax Act.