Income Tax Filing Due Dates for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26): Updated ITR Timeline You Need to Know

23 May, 2025

Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR): Key Deadlines and Essentials for FY 2024–25

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is a crucial legal obligation for every taxpayer in India. It involves declaring all income sources, claiming applicable deductions, and calculating tax liabilities, all in accordance with Indian tax laws.

Important Deadline
For individuals who are not required to undergo an audit, the deadline to file ITR for the Financial Year 2024–25 (Assessment Year 2025–26) is 31st July 2025.

Failing to meet this due date may result in interest charges under Section 234A and a late filing penalty under Section 234F. However, if the deadline is missed, a belated return can still be submitted by 31st December 2025, though penalties and interest will apply.

ITR Filing Timeline: What You Need to Know

ITR Filing Due Date (for non-audit cases): 31st July 2025
Belated Return Deadline*: 31st December 2025 (with penalty)

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

When dealing with income tax, it's important to differentiate between the Financial Year (FY) and the Assessment Year (AY):

Financial Year (FY): This is the 12-month period during which you earn your income. For example, FY 2024–25 runs from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025.

Assessment Year (AY): This is the year immediately following the financial year, during which you file your return and pay taxes on the income earned in the FY. So, income earned in FY 2024–25 will be assessed in AY 2025–26, which covers the period from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.

Timely filing ensures smooth processing of refunds, avoids penalties, and keeps you in good standing with the Income Tax Department. If you're unsure about your filing status, it’s best to consult a tax professional early.