If you haven't filed your income tax return by the September 16th deadline, don't worry. Taxpayers can still file their belated return (Belated ITR) until December 31, 2025. Filing a belated income tax return is crucial if you want to avoid penalties and interest for non-filing of taxes.

Fees and Interest on Late Filing
Even with a belated return, you cannot escape penalties and interest. Since you are filing after the deadline, you will have to pay late fees and interest. Such taxpayers are charged a late fee under Section 234F and interest under Section 234A. This means that filing late will cost you a little extra.

What is a Belated Return?
Any return filed after the original due date, i.e., September 16th, is called a belated return. Only returns filed under Section 139(1) or previously filed belated returns can be revised later. Returns filed under Section 142(1) in response to a notice cannot be revised.

You can also file a Revised Return.
If you have omitted any information or made a mistake in your ITR, it can be corrected later. You can file a revised return for this purpose. Whether the mistake was intentional or unintentional, it can be rectified with a revised return.

Last Date for Filing Revised ITR
You can file a revised return up to three months before the end of the relevant assessment year (i.e., until December 31st) or before the completion of the assessment.

Disadvantages of Filing a Late Return
It's important to note that if you file your ITR after the deadline, you will miss out on some benefits and will have to pay late fees and interest. File your ITR on time.

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