Due Date for Filing ITR​ for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a fundamental responsibility for every earning citizen and registered business operating in India. It’s not just about paying taxes; it’s a crucial aspect of financial discipline and legal compliance that contributes to nation-building. As we navigate through the financial calendar, understanding the specific timelines is paramount. This blog post focuses on the relevant period for tax purposes: the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, which runs from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, and the corresponding Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26, the period during which the income earned in FY 2024-25 is evaluated and taxed. We will detail the due date for filing ITR for various taxpayer categories applicable for AY 2025-26. Knowing these deadlines, such as the specific ITR filing deadline for FY 2024-25, is absolutely critical. Missing them can lead to unwanted penalties, interest charges, and other complications, hindering your financial health. This guide is specifically designed to help salaried individuals and small business owners in India stay informed and compliant.

Understanding Financial Year (FY) vs. Assessment Year (AY)

Before diving into the specific deadlines, it’s essential to clarify two fundamental terms frequently used in the context of income tax: Financial Year (FY) and Assessment Year (AY). Grasping the difference is key to understanding tax timelines correctly and avoids common confusion. These terms define the period of income earning and the period of tax assessment and filing, respectively, forming the bedrock of the Indian income tax cycle.

What is Financial Year (FY) 2024-25?

The Financial Year, often abbreviated as FY, is the year in which you earn your income. For the current cycle we are discussing, FY 2024-25 refers to the period starting from 1st April 2024 and ending on 31st March 2025. Any salary, business profit, capital gains, interest, or other income earned during these 12 months falls under FY 2024-25. Think of it as the ‘Income Earning Year’. Businesses prepare their financial statements (like Profit & Loss Accounts and Balance Sheets) for this specific period, and salaried individuals consider income reflected in Form 16 or salary slips received during this time.

What is Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26?

The Assessment Year, or AY, is the year immediately following the Financial Year. This is the year when the income you earned during the preceding Financial Year is assessed, your tax liability is calculated, and your Income Tax Return (ITR) is filed. Therefore, for the income earned in FY 2024-25 (1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025), the corresponding Assessment Year is AY 2025-26, which runs from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026. When you hear about filing ITR for AY 2025-26, it specifically refers to declaring the income earned between April 2024 and March 2025. All tax calculations, assessments, and return filing procedures related to FY 2024-25 income happen during AY 2025-26.

Key Due Date for Filing ITR for AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25)

Now, let’s look at the crucial deadlines for filing your income tax return for the income earned in FY 2024-25 (which corresponds to AY 2025-26). The Income Tax Act, 1961 specifies different due dates for different categories of taxpayers. Meeting the correct due date for filing ITR is essential to avoid penalties and other adverse consequences.

Disclaimer: Please note that the following dates are based on the standard provisions of the Income Tax Act. These dates can be extended by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through official notifications, often due to unforeseen circumstances. It is always advisable to check the official Income Tax Department portal (https://www.incometax.gov.in/) for the latest updates and circulars closer to the filing period.

Here’s a summary of the primary ITR filing due dates for AY 2025-26:

Taxpayer Category	Due Date for Filing ITR (AY 2025-26)	Details
Individuals / HUF / AOP / BOI (Non-Audit Cases)	31st July 2025	Taxpayers whose accounts are not required to be audited under the Income Tax Act or any other law. Includes most salaried individuals.
Companies / Taxpayers requiring Audit	31st October 2025	All Companies; Individuals/HUF/Firms whose accounts are required to be audited (e.g., under Sec 44AB for exceeding turnover/receipt limits).
Taxpayers requiring Transfer Pricing Report (Section 92E)	30th November 2025	Taxpayers who have entered into specified international or domestic transactions requiring a report under Section 92E.
Belated / Revised Return Filing	31st December 2025*	Deadline to file a return after the original due date (with penalty) or to revise an originally filed return.

*Subject to potential changes by law/notification.

Category 1: Individuals / HUF / AOP / BOI (Books of account not required to be audited)

• Due Date: 31st July 2025
• Details: This is the most common deadline and applies to the vast majority of individual taxpayers in India. This category includes salaried employees, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), Associations of Persons (AOPs), and Bodies of Individuals (BOIs) whose financial accounts are not mandated to undergo a tax audit under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act. This also covers freelancers and small business owners operating as proprietorships or partnerships who opt for presumptive taxation schemes (like Section 44AD or 44ADA) and are within the prescribed limits, or whose turnover/gross receipts do not exceed the specified threshold requiring an audit. Essentially, if you are an individual and your financial affairs don’t legally require a formal audit report, this is typically your ITR due date for salaried individuals and many small non-corporate taxpayers. Remember, filing ITR for AY 2025-26 by this date is crucial if you fall into this category.

Category 2: Companies / Taxpayers requiring Audit

• Due Date: 31st October 2025
• Details: This deadline applies to taxpayers whose accounts are required to be audited under the Income Tax Act or any other law for the time being in force. This mandatorily includes all companies registered under the Companies Act, irrespective of their turnover or profit. Additionally, it covers individuals, HUFs, firms (including Limited Liability Partnerships – LLPs), AOPs, and BOIs who are subject to a tax audit under Section 44AB. A tax audit is generally required if a business’s total sales, turnover, or gross receipts exceed ₹1 crore in the financial year (though this limit is higher, e.g., ₹10 crore, if cash receipts and payments are below 5% of totals), or if a professional’s gross receipts exceed ₹50 lakh. Taxpayers opting out of presumptive taxation under certain conditions may also require an audit. This is a critical income tax return filing date India for businesses, including many small and medium enterprises structured as companies or meeting audit criteria. A working partner of a firm whose accounts require auditing also falls under this deadline.

Category 3: Taxpayers requiring Transfer Pricing Report (Section 92E)

• Due Date: 30th November 2025
• Details: This deadline is specific to taxpayers who have entered into international transactions or specified domestic transactions (SDTs) with associated enterprises during the financial year. Such taxpayers are required to obtain and furnish a report from a Chartered Accountant in Form No. 3CEB as per Section 92E of the Income Tax Act, detailing these transactions and confirming their adherence to the arm’s length principle. This primarily impacts businesses, including companies and firms, involved in cross-border dealings or significant domestic related-party transactions as defined under the Act. The extended timeline allows for the complexity involved in preparing the transfer pricing documentation and report. If Section 92E applies to you, your due date for filing ITR is pushed to the end of November.

Belated or Revised Return Filing Deadline

• Due Date: 31st December 2025 (Subject to potential changes by law)
• Details: Life happens, and sometimes taxpayers might miss the original due date for filing ITR. The Income Tax Act allows for filing a ‘belated return’ after the initial deadline has passed. For AY 2025-26, the current provision allows filing a belated return up to 31st December 2025. However, filing a belated return comes with consequences like late filing fees (under Section 234F) and potential loss of the ability to carry forward certain losses. Similarly, if you filed your original return within the due date but later discover an error or omission, you can file a ‘revised return’ to correct it. The deadline for filing a revised return for AY 2025-26 is also typically 31st December 2025, or before the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier. Filing accurately and on time is always the best approach.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the ITR Filing Deadline for FY 2024-25

Meeting the ITR filing deadline for FY 2024-25 is not just about following rules; it has significant financial implications. Delaying your ITR filing can lead to several unwelcome consequences that can affect your financial standing and cause unnecessary stress. Being aware of these potential pitfalls underscores the importance of timely compliance with income tax return filing dates India.

Consequence 1: Late Filing Fees under Section 234F

Perhaps the most direct consequence of missing the due date for filing ITR India is the mandatory late filing fee levied under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act. If you file your return after the due date (e.g., after 31st July 2025 for non-audit cases or 31st October 2025 for audit cases), you are liable to pay a penalty.

• As per the current provisions, the maximum late filing fee is ₹5,000.
• However, if your total income (after deductions) does not exceed ₹5 lakh, the late filing fee is capped at ₹1,000.

This fee is payable irrespective of whether you have any tax due or are claiming a refund. It must be paid before you can successfully file your belated return. This penalty is an easily avoidable cost simply by adhering to the prescribed timelines.

Consequence 2: Interest Charges

Beyond the flat late filing fee, delays can attract interest charges on any tax liability. Several sections deal with interest:

• Section 234A: Interest is levied for delay in filing the return. If you have unpaid tax liability, interest at 1% per month (or part of a month) is charged on the outstanding tax amount from the original due date until the date you actually file the return.
• Section 234B: Interest is charged for default in payment of Advance Tax. If you haven’t paid sufficient advance tax (less than 90% of assessed tax) or haven’t paid advance tax at all, interest at 1% per month (or part of a month) is applicable on the shortfall from the beginning of the Assessment Year (1st April 2025) till the date of tax payment.
• Section 234C: Interest applies for deferment of advance tax installments. If you failed to pay the advance tax installments on time during the financial year (by the specified due dates like June 15th, Sept 15th, Dec 15th, March 15th), interest is charged on the deferred amount for the period of delay.

These interest charges can accumulate quickly, significantly increasing your overall tax outgo.

Consequence 3: Restrictions on Carrying Forward Losses

This is a critical point, especially for businesses and investors. If you file your ITR after the original due date for filing ITR (i.e., file a belated return), you lose the right to carry forward certain types of losses to subsequent assessment years to set them off against future income. The losses that cannot be carried forward if the return is filed late include:

• Business Loss (other than unabsorbed depreciation)
• Speculation Business Loss
• Loss under the head ‘Capital Gains’ (both short-term and long-term)
• Loss from the activity of owning and maintaining race horses.

However, loss from House Property and unabsorbed depreciation can still be carried forward even if the return is filed late. Missing the deadline could mean losing a valuable tax-saving opportunity in future years by being unable to offset these losses against future profits or gains.

Consequence 4: Delayed Refunds

If you are due a tax refund from the Income Tax Department (because your TDS or advance tax paid is more than your actual tax liability), filing your ITR late will inevitably delay the processing of your return and, consequently, the issuance of your refund. While you might still be eligible for interest on the refund (under Section 244A), the process starts only after your return is filed and verified. Filing promptly ensures quicker processing and faster receipt of any refunds due to you, improving your cash flow. Timely filing helps ensure the smooth and timely processing of your financial affairs with the tax department.

Tips for Meeting the Income Tax Return Filing Dates India

Meeting the income tax return filing dates India requires planning and preparation. Waiting until the last week can lead to errors, stress, and potential website issues due to heavy traffic. Here are some practical tips to help you file your ITR smoothly and on time for AY 2025-26:

Tip 1: Organize Your Documents Early

Don’t wait until July or October to start looking for your papers. Begin gathering and organizing all necessary documents well in advance. Keeping a dedicated file or folder (physical or digital) throughout the financial year can make this process much easier. Essential documents include:

• PAN Card: Your Permanent Account Number is mandatory. Learn more about its importance and application.
• Aadhaar Card: Often required for verification.
• Bank Account Details: For reporting and receiving refunds.
• Form 16/16A: TDS certificates for salary and other incomes.
• Salary Slips: To verify income details.
• Bank Statements/Passbook: For interest income, checking transactions.
• Housing Loan Statements: For claiming deductions on interest and principal repayment.
• Investment Proofs: Receipts for PPF, ELSS, insurance premiums, NSC, NPS, donations (for deductions under Chapter VI-A like 80C, 80D, 80G etc.).
• Capital Gains Statements: Broker statements for shares/mutual funds, property sale deeds for calculating capital gains/losses.
• Business Records: For business owners – Profit & Loss account, Balance Sheet, bank statements, expense receipts, sales registers.
• Form 26AS/Annual Information Statement (AIS)/Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS): Download these from the Income Tax portal to verify income earned and taxes deducted/paid.

Tip 2: Choose the Correct ITR Form

The Income Tax Department prescribes different ITR forms for different categories of taxpayers based on their sources of income and status. Using the wrong form can lead to your return being considered defective. Briefly:

• ITR-1 (Sahaj): For resident individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh from salary, one house property, other sources (like interest), and agricultural income up to ₹5,000.
• ITR-2: For individuals and HUFs not having income from business or profession.
• ITR-3: For individuals and HUFs having income from business or profession.
• ITR-4 (Sugam): For individuals, HUFs, and Firms (other than LLP) opting for presumptive income schemes under Sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.
• Other forms like ITR-5, ITR-6, ITR-7 apply to firms, companies, trusts, etc.

Carefully assess your income sources for FY 2024-25 to determine the correct form applicable to you before starting the filing process.

Tip 3: Calculate Tax Liability and Pay Advance Tax/Self-Assessment Tax

Before filing your return, calculate your estimated tax liability for AY 2025-26 based on your income and eligible deductions. Compare this liability with the taxes already paid (TDS deducted by employer/others, Advance Tax paid during the year). If there is a shortfall, you need to pay the balance tax, known as Self-Assessment Tax, before filing your ITR. Use Challan 280 to pay this tax online or offline. Remember, for many taxpayers (especially those with significant non-salary income like business profits, capital gains, or interest/dividend income), there’s a requirement to pay Advance Tax in installments during the financial year itself (FY 2024-25). Ensure these obligations are met to avoid interest charges under Sections 234A, 234B, 234C.

Tip 4: Use the Official E-filing Portal

The most convenient and recommended way to file your ITR is through the official Income Tax Department e-filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/. The portal offers online and offline utilities for preparing and submitting your return. E-filing is faster, provides an immediate acknowledgment, and facilitates quicker processing of your return and any potential refunds. Familiarize yourself with the portal interface and the filing process well before the deadline. Ensure your profile details (contact information, bank account for refund) are up-to-date on the portal.

Tip 5: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Procrastination is the enemy of timely tax filing. The last few days leading up to the due date for filing ITR often witness extremely high traffic on the e-filing portal, potentially causing slowdowns, technical glitches, or payment gateway issues. Rushing through the process also increases the chances of making errors in your return, which might require rectification later. Aim to complete your filing at least a week or two before the deadline. This gives you ample time to resolve any issues, double-check your entries, and ensure a smooth submission.

Tip 6: Consider Professional Assistance

While the tax portal and forms have become more user-friendly, tax laws can still be complex, especially if you have multiple sources of income (like salary, business income, capital gains, foreign income), significant investments, or run a business requiring audits. In such cases, seeking help from a qualified tax professional like a Chartered Accountant can be highly beneficial. Experts can help ensure you choose the right ITR form, accurately calculate your income and tax liability, claim all eligible deductions and exemptions, and comply with all legal requirements for filing ITR for AY 2025-26. Services like TaxRobo Income Tax Service can provide expert assistance, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely filing, giving you peace of mind. You might also want to explore the benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping and auditing for additional support.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with income tax regulations is crucial for every responsible individual and business in India. A key aspect of this compliance is filing your Income Tax Return accurately and within the stipulated timeframe. For the income earned during Financial Year 2024-25, the Assessment Year is 2025-26. Remember the key deadlines: the primary due date for filing ITR for most individuals and non-audit cases (like salaried employees) is 31st July 2025, while for companies and taxpayers requiring an audit, it is 31st October 2025.

Adhering to these income tax return filing dates India is not merely a procedural requirement; it helps you avoid late filing fees under Section 234F, saves you from hefty interest charges under Sections 234A, 234B, and 234C, ensures you can carry forward eligible losses, and facilitates faster processing of refunds. Start your preparation early, gather your documents, choose the correct form, and utilize the e-filing portal. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. For expert guidance and hassle-free ITR filing, consider contacting TaxRobo. Let us help you navigate the complexities of tax compliance smoothly.

FAQs about ITR Filing Due Dates

Q1: What is the specific ITR due date for salaried individuals for income earned in FY 2024-25?

A: For salaried individuals whose accounts are not required to be audited under the Income Tax Act, the general due date for filing ITR for AY 2025-26 (relating to income earned in FY 2024-25) is 31st July 2025.

Q2: Can the government extend the ITR filing deadline for FY 2024-25?

A: Yes, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Government of India, has the authority to extend the ITR filing deadlines through official notifications or circulars. Extensions are usually granted under exceptional circumstances, such as natural calamities or technical issues with the filing portal. However, it’s always best practice to plan your filing based on the originally notified due date for filing ITR and not rely on potential extensions. Keep checking the official Income Tax portal for the latest updates: https://www.incometax.gov.in/.

Q3: What are the main penalties if I miss the due date for filing ITR India?

A: If you miss the relevant due date, you may face several consequences:

• Late Filing Fee: A penalty under Section 234F of up to ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if total income ≤ ₹5 lakh).
• Interest: Interest under Section 234A at 1% per month on the unpaid tax amount for the period of delay. You might also face interest under Sections 234B/234C for defaults related to advance tax.
• Loss Carry Forward Restriction: You might lose the ability to carry forward certain losses (like business loss or capital loss) to future years.
• Delayed Refund: Processing of any tax refund due to you will likely be delayed.

Q4: I am a small business owner with turnover below audit limits. What is my due date for filing ITR?

A: If you are a small business owner (operating as a proprietorship or partnership, for instance) and your business turnover or gross receipts are below the threshold requiring a tax audit under Section 44AB (and you aren’t required to be audited under any other law), your due date for filing ITR for AY 2025-26 is generally 31st July 2025. This also applies if you opt for presumptive taxation (like 44AD) and meet its conditions without requiring an audit.

Q5: Where can I find the official notification regarding income tax return filing dates India?

A: All official announcements, notifications, circulars, and updates regarding income tax return filing dates India, extensions, changes in law, or procedures are published on the official website of the Income Tax Department of India. You should always refer to https://www.incometax.gov.in/ for authentic and up-to-date information. Look under the ‘News & Updates’ or ‘Notifications/Circulars’ sections.