Don’t worry if you miss July 31, 2026 ITR filing due date as belated ITR with late fee can be filed by this date; Know who can file it

Missing the July 31 income tax return (ITR) filing deadline does not mean you have lost the chance to file your return. The Income-tax Act 2025 provides taxpayers with alternative options, such as filing a belated return and, in certain cases, an updated return. However, delaying the income tax filing can result in a late fee, interest, delayed refunds and the loss of some tax benefits.

Here's what tax experts say about the options available to file ITR if you miss the July 31 deadline.

Also read: Rs 1,000 or Rs 5,000 late filing fee for missing ITR filing deadline of July 31? How much fine you may need to pay and why

Sanjoli Maheshwarri, executive director, Nangia & Co LLP, says, “Missing the July 31 deadline for filing the ITR does not mean the opportunity to file the return is lost. Taxpayers can still file a belated return within the prescribed timeline by paying the applicable late filing fee and interest, wherever applicable. If any error is identified after filing the belated return, the return can also be revised within the time permitted under the Income-tax Act. Even after the timelines for filing or revising a return have expired, eligible taxpayers may still have the option of filing an Updated Return, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Act.”

Chartered accountant Abhishek Soni, CEO & co-founder, Tax2win, explains, “Missing the July 31 deadline does not mean you can no longer file your income tax return. Eligible taxpayers can still file a belated return under Section 139(4) within the prescribed time limit by paying the applicable late filing fee and interest, if any. If you later discover an error in the belated return, it can also be revised within the allowed time. However, it is always better to file as early as possible after missing the deadline, as late filing may lead to delayed refunds, additional costs, and the loss of certain tax benefits, such as carrying forward eligible losses.”

What are the time limits for filing a belated return, revised return or an updated return in the Income Tax Act, 2025?

The time limits for filing a belated return, revised return or an updated return in the

Income Tax Act, 2025 are as under:

Belated return: Section 263(4)- Within 9 months from the end of the relevant tax year, or before the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier. Revised return: Section 263(5)- Within 12 months from the end of the relevant tax year, or before the completion of assessment, whichever is earlier.

Updated return (ITR -U): Section 263(6)- Within 48 months from the end of the financial year succeeding the relevant tax year