Missing the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your financial compliance. With a provision for filing a Belated Tax Return under Section 139(4), you can still fulfill your tax obligations without unnecessary stress. Let’s explore how you can navigate this process efficiently.
What Is a Belated Tax Return?
A Belated ITR, also called a “Delayed Tax Filing,” is your second chance to report your income and taxes to the government. This facility is available for individuals and businesses who missed the original deadline, allowing them to file their returns by December 31 of the relevant assessment year.
Step-by-Step Guide to File a Belated Tax Return
1. Access the Tax e-Filing Portal
- Visit the official Income Tax India Portal at incometax.gov.in.
- Log in using your Permanent Account Number (PAN) and password.
2. Select the Assessment Year
- Choose the relevant Assessment Year (AY). For instance, if you missed the deadline for FY 2023–24, select AY 2024–25.
3. Choose the Correct ITR Form
- Identify the appropriate form for your income type:
- ITR-1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals.
- ITR-2: For those with additional income sources like capital gains.
- ITR-4 (Sugam): For professionals opting for a presumptive income scheme.
4. Mark It as a Belated Return
- In the form, specify that the return is filed under Section 139(4) to indicate it’s a belated filing.
5. Enter Financial Data Accurately
- Use Form 16, Form 26AS, and other relevant documents to ensure your income, deductions, and tax paid are recorded correctly.
6. Pay Applicable Penalties
- Late filing attracts fees under Section 234F, which will be displayed during the filing process.
7. Submit and Verify
- Submit the return and verify it electronically using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or other methods. Unverified returns are not processed.
Penalties and Drawbacks of Filing a Belated ITR
1. Late Filing Fee
- A penalty under Section 234F is imposed:
- ₹1,000 if your income is below ₹5 lakh.
- ₹5,000 if your income exceeds ₹5 lakh.
2. Interest on Outstanding Tax
- Interest under Section 234A is charged at 1% per month on any unpaid tax amount from the original deadline to the filing date.
3. No Carry Forward of Losses
- If you had capital or business losses, you cannot carry them forward to the next year if you file late.
4. Refund Delays
- Any excess tax paid will take longer to be refunded.
Why Filing a Belated ITR Is Crucial
Even though filing late has its penalties, it’s better than not filing at all. Benefits include:
- Avoiding Legal Notices: The Income Tax Department can issue notices for non-compliance.
- Claiming Refunds: Recover excess tax deducted during the year.
- Maintaining Financial Records: Essential for loan applications or financial assessments.
Optimize Your Belated Tax Filing Experience
1. Use Digital Tax Tools
- Platforms like ClearTax or TaxBuddy simplify the filing process with user-friendly interfaces.
2. Monitor Tax Slabs
- Understand how changes in tax slabs or Income Tax Regimes (Old vs. New) impact your liability.
3. Plan Better Next Year
- Set calendar reminders for key dates like the ITR Filing Deadline (July 31).
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Conclusion: Stay Tax-Ready, Always
Conclusion: Stay Tax-Ready, Always
Filing a Belated Income Tax Return ensures you remain compliant even after missing the deadline. While it’s not ideal to file late, taking prompt action minimizes penalties and secures your financial standing.
Need professional guidance to file your belated ITR? Contact us today and make delayed tax filing hassle-free!