Can I Submit an Old Tax Return in India?

Can I Submit an Old Tax Return in India?
Updated Guide for FY 2024–25 | AY 2025–26
If you missed filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) in a previous year, you might wonder:
"Can I still submit an old tax return?"
The answer is: Yes, but with some conditions.
Let’s walk through your options, deadlines, and penalties based on the latest rules applicable in India.

✅ Regular Deadlines for Filing an ITR
Typically, the timelines to file an ITR are:

• Original Return:
  ➔ Due by 31st July of the relevant assessment year (for most individuals).
• Belated Return:
  ➔ Can be filed up to 31st December of the relevant assessment year.

Example:
For FY 2023–24 (AY 2024–25), the original deadline is 31st July 2024, and the belated filing deadline is 31st December 2024.

❌ What If You Missed the Regular and Belated Deadlines?
If you did not file your ITR by 31st December of the assessment year, the option to file a normal or belated return closes.
But don’t worry! You can still submit your old tax return using a new mechanism introduced by the Income Tax Department.

✅ Filing an Old Tax Return Using Updated Return (ITR-U)
The Updated Return (ITR-U) facility under Section 139(8A) allows taxpayers to file a return for a missed or incorrect filing.
Key Highlights:

• You can submit an old return for up to 2 years from the end of the relevant assessment year.
• This applies even if you didn’t file the original return at all.
• Updated Returns are filed using a special form called ITR-U.

📋 Example Timeline

Thus, if you missed filing for AY 2022–23, you can still submit an Updated Return till 31st March 2025.

❌ Important Conditions for ITR-U

• You cannot file an updated return if you want to:
  • Reduce your tax liability,
  • Increase your refund, or
  • Declare a loss.
• Filing ITR-U must lead to higher tax payments.
• If your case is already under assessment or scrutiny by the department, you cannot use ITR-U.

💰 Additional Taxes on Filing Old Returns
When submitting an old return through ITR-U, you must pay:

• 25% additional tax (plus interest) if filed within 1 year of the end of the assessment year.
• 50% additional tax (plus interest) if filed after 1 year but within 2 years.

Example:
If you’re filing an updated return for AY 2022–23 in March 2025, 50% extra tax is payable.

🛠️ How to Submit an Old Tax Return (ITR-U Process)

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
2. Select: File → Income Tax Returns → Updated Return (ITR-U).
3. Choose the correct Assessment Year.
4. Fill in the reason for updating (missed filing, omitted income, etc.).
5. Pay the additional taxes and interest.
6. Submit and e-verify the return.

📌 Why It's Important to File Old Returns

• Avoid facing penalties or prosecution for non-filing.
• Claim TDS refunds, if eligible.
• Maintain a clean tax compliance record for visa applications, loans, or audits.

✅ Final Words
Yes, you can still submit an old tax return through ITR-U, even if you missed the original and belated deadlines.
However, you’ll have to bear extra tax costs. Filing now is much better than facing penalties and notices later.