Can I File My ITR Next Year? Here's What Every Indian Taxpayer Should Know
If you missed the ITR deadline this year, you're probably wondering:
"Can I still file my Income Tax Return next year?"
The answer is yes, but it comes with conditions, penalties, and some exceptions that you must understand.
No matter if you’re drawing a monthly salary, working as a freelancer, or running a small enterprise, this guide covers all the essentials about late or next-year ITR filing in India.
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What Is the ITR Filing Deadline in India?
Typically, individual taxpayers in India are expected to submit their Income Tax Returns by 31st July of the following financial year.
So, if you've earned income during FY 2023–24, the corresponding ITR should ideally be filed by 31st July 2024.
But if you miss this deadline, can you file the return in the next financial year?
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Yes, But Only as a Belated Return
In case the initial deadline is missed, taxpayers can opt to file a Belated Return as permitted under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act.
✅ Last date to file belated return:
31st December of the assessment year (i.e., 31st Dec 2024 for FY 2023–24)
✅ How to file:
The process is exactly the same as regular ITR filing, but you must select “Belated Return” while filing online on the Income Tax Portal.
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Can I File My ITR in the Next Financial Year?
If you're asking,
"Can I file my ITR for FY 2023–24 in FY 2025–26?"
The answer is generally No – unless the government allows condonation under special cases.
Your window to file legally ends on 31st December of the assessment year. After that, you're not allowed to file unless:
• You get a notice from the Income Tax Department
• You apply under Section 119(2)(b) for condonation of delay (in case of refund/deduction claim)
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What Are the Penalties for Late Filing?
If you file your ITR after 31st July but before 31st December:
• ₹5,000 late fee (₹1,000 if your total income is below ₹5 lakh)
• You may lose eligibility to carry forward certain losses (like capital loss/business loss)
• Interest under Section 234A for unpaid tax amount (1% per month)
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Should You Wait Until Next Year?
Short answer: No.
To clarify, filing your ITR beyond the permitted window isn’t normally allowed, unless the Income Tax Department grants an exception under condonation rules. The standard filing opportunity closes on 31st December of the relevant assessment year
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Final Words
Yes, you can file your ITR “next year” in the sense of filing a belated return, but only until 31st December of the assessment year. After that, filing is not allowed without special approval. The sooner you file, the better it is for your financial record and peace of mind.
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