Time Limit for filing Tax Returns

Every taxpayer has to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) for each tax year within the time limits set by the Income Tax Department. These time limits depend on the type of taxpayer, whether a tax audit is required, and whether a transfer-pricing report has to be furnished. Filing the return on time is important because late filing may lead to interest, late fees, and restrictions on carrying forward certain losses.¹

For the tax year 2024–25, the filing deadlines are as follows:

Original Return (Filed on or before the due date)

An original return² is the first return filed for a financial year. Different due dates apply depending on the nature of the taxpayer.

• 15th September 2025 – This due date applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Associations of Persons (AOPs), and Bodies of Individuals (BOIs) whose accounts do not require audit.
• 31st October 2025 – This due date applies to taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited under the Income Tax Act or any other law.
• 30th November 2025 – This due date applies to taxpayers who are required to furnish a transfer-pricing report in Form 3CEB.

Example: If the due date applicable to Sita is 15th September 2025 and she files her income tax return on 12th September 2025, her return will be treated as an original return filed on time.

Filing an original return before the due date ensures that the taxpayer can carry forward certain losses, avoid late fees, and revise the return later if needed.

Belated Return (Filed after the due date)

If a taxpayer does not file the original return within the due date, a belated return may be submitted. A belated return can be filed up to 31st December 2025,³ or before the assessment is completed, whichever is earlier.

A belated return may attract late fees and interest under the Income Tax Act.⁴

Example: Suppose the due date for Rohan is 15th September 2025, but he forgets to file his return on time. He may still file it on 20th October 2025 or any other date up to 31st December 2025, as long as his assessment has not been completed. This will be treated as a belated return.

Revised Return (Filed to correct a mistake)

After filing an original or belated return, a taxpayer may realise that certain details were omitted or incorrectly stated. In such cases, a revised return can be filed.⁵ A revised return can be filed up to 31st December 2025, or before the assessment is completed, whichever is earlier.

Revised returns are helpful for correcting errors, adding overlooked income, or updating information.

Example: Arjun files his return in July 2025 under the original deadline. Later, he realises that he forgot to mention savings account interest earned during the year. He may file a revised return at any time before 31st December 2025 to correct the omission.

Updated Return (Section 263(6))

The Income Tax Act allows a taxpayer to file an updated return to correct or update income details, even if an original, belated or revised return was not filed earlier. An updated return can be filed within 48 months from the end of the relevant tax year, subject to conditions and payment of additional tax as required under Section 263(6).⁶

This provision is useful in cases where income was under-reported or missed entirely in earlier filings.

Example: For Tax Year 2025–26, the updated return can be filed anytime up to 31st March 2030. If a taxpayer discovers in 2029 that income was not disclosed in earlier filings, they may still file an updated return and pay the applicable additional tax.

Modified Return (Section 314)

A modified return is required when a court or tribunal passes an order relating to business reorganisation.⁷ This applies in cases such as mergers, demergers, amalgamations or other reorganisations under specific laws. 

A modified return must be filed within six months from the end of the month in which the order is passed.

Example: If a court approves a merger order in August 2025, the modified return will have to be filed by the end of February 2026.

When delay has been permitted by the income tax authorities 

In certain cases, the Income Tax Department may permit delayed filing. Under Section 239(2)(b), the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) may authorise income-tax authorities to accept returns, refund claims or applications for deductions after the expiry of the normal time limits.⁸

This relief is usually granted on written request and only in genuine cases such as hardship, illness or other exceptional circumstances. Taxpayers may take the help of a Chartered Accountant or lawyer to make such an application.

1. Sections 423, 424, and 263(6), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
2. Section 263(1), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
3. Section 263(4), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
4. Section 423 and 428, Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
5. Section 263(5), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
6. Section 263(6), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
7. Section 314, Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]
8. Section 239(2)(b), Income-tax Act, 2025. [↩]