ITR 2025–26 Deadline Missed: Are Your Income Tax Refunds at Risk? Know Late Filing Rules Before December 31

Even after the September 16 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the assessment year 2025-26 has passed, taxpayers can still claim their refunds by filing a belated return. The Income Tax Department has allowed belated ITR submissions until December 31, 2025, giving individuals a last window to secure refunds, albeit with certain conditions and reduced interest benefits.

Belated ITR Filing Deadline: Income Tax Departments Allows ITR Submissions By December 31, 2025

With the usual deadline over, many taxpayers are now wondering if they can still claim refunds by filing a belated return. A belated ITR can be filed after the original due date but before December 31, 2025, which is 90 days before the end of the financial year.

The good news is that taxpayers are still eligible for refunds even if they file late. However, there are a few consequences that can reduce the amount received or delay the refund. The most significant impact is the loss of refund interest.

Under Section 244A of the Income Tax Act, interest on refunds is calculated from April 1 of the assessment year only if the return is filed on time. For belated filers, interest is paid only from the date of filing, meaning months of potential interest are lost even if excess TDS has been withheld throughout the year.

Belated ITR Filing Attracts Late Fees, Interest and Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits

Belated ITR filers should also be aware of penalties and charges. Section 234F imposes a late fee of Rs 5,000 (Rs 1,000 if total income is below Rs 5 lakh), while Section 234A charges interest at 1% per month on any unpaid tax. In addition, certain losses, such as those from house property, capital gains, or business income, cannot be carried forward if the return is filed late.

Common issues for late filers include mismatched AIS or Form 26AS data, refunds being adjusted against past tax demands, unvalidated bank accounts, and limited time for corrections.

To avoid delays, taxpayers are advised to check all income and TDS entries, pre-validate their bank account, verify the ITR immediately after filing, and reconfirm deductions and exemptions such as 80C, 80D, 80CCD, home loan interest, and education fees.

How and Where To Track Belated ITR Filing?

Refund status for belated ITRs can be tracked via the Income Tax Portal or the TIN-NSDL Refund Status Tool, which shows whether the refund has been issued, is under process, failed or adjusted.