The extended deadline for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for the assessment year 2025-26 (AY26) closed on September 16. However, taxpayers who missed the window still have one more chance to comply with the law—by filing a belated return. The Income Tax (IT) Department has clarified that belated returns can be filed until December 31, 2025. While this provides relief for defaulters, such returns come with financial costs and the loss of certain tax benefits. Advertisement

What is a belated return?

A belated return is an ITR filed after the due date specified under Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act. Ordinarily, the due date for most taxpayers is July 31, but for AY26, the deadline was pushed back to September 16 because of multiple changes in ITR forms. Any return filed between Sept

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