The Central Board of Direct Taxes Department has already extended the last date for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2024-25 to 15 September 2025. Now only 3 days are left in this date. What will happen if you do not file ITR within the deadline? Let us answer this question and also tell you in detail about the options you will have.

According to the current rules of the Income Tax Department, if you miss the deadline for filing ITR, then first of all, you have to pay a late fee of up to Rs 5,000. By paying this fee, you can file ITR for the financial year 2024-25 by December 31, 2025. However, the real issue is not just the late fee. Rather, it is that you had taxable income and you did not file your ITR. If you also miss the deadline for the late ITR, you may get into legal trouble, including litigation. Just last year, in 2024, a woman in Delhi was sentenced to jail for not filing an ITR.

What are the consequences of not filing ITR on time?

In an ET report, Abhishek Soni, chartered accountant, co-founder, Tax2Win, says that missing the original ITR deadline can lead to several consequences.

Late payment fee- Under section 234F, a fine of up to Rs 5,000 can be levied on a late ITR (ITR filed after the original deadline). If the income is less than Rs 5 lakh, the penalty is Rs 1000, and if the income is more than Rs 5 lakh, the penalty is Rs 5000.

Interest on tax due- Interest may be applicable on late filing of ITR under section 234A, for reduction of demand tax in 234B, and for deferment of demand tax in 234C.

Delay in refund- Filing ITR after the due date can delay the refund process. Also, filing ITR late can lead to strict scrutiny by the Income Tax Department.

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