Missed the Belated Return Deadline? Here’s Your Guide on Filing ITR After December 31st
Introduction:
As the echoes of the Belated Income Tax Return deadline linger, there’s good news for those who missed the boat. The avenue of redemption comes in the form of the Updated Income Tax Return, fondly known as ITR-U. This blog aims to serve as your compass in the complex landscape of tax filing, providing insights into the purpose, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step process to file an ITR-U.
Understanding ITR-U: Let’s decode the acronym. ITR-U, or the Updated Income Tax Return, is your ticket to rectify any errors or omissions made during the initial filing process. You have a window of two years from the end of the financial year, extending until March 31, 2026, to set things right. However, it’s crucial to note that ITR-U comes with some constraints; taxpayers cannot reduce income, claim refunds, increase losses, or introduce new losses during this process.
Who Can File ITR-U? The eligibility criteria for ITR-U extend to anyone who stumbled upon errors or omissions in their original, revised, or belated tax returns. It serves as a safety net, allowing individuals to correct inadvertent mistakes.
Who is Not Eligible to File ITR-U? Not everyone can ride the ITR-U wave. The following scenarios deem ITR-U inapplicable:
- If an Updated Return has already been filed.
- For those seeking tax refunds.
- Individuals filing a NIL ITR.
- When filing an updated return results in reduced income tax liability.
How to File ITR-U Form:
- Download the Relevant ITR Form:
Begin your journey by choosing and downloading the utility of the applicable ITR form (ITR1/2/3/4, etc.) for each of the three years from the official Income Tax Department’s website.
- Fill in the Details:
Armed with the ITR form, embark on the data-filling journey. Detail your income from diverse sources, deductions claimed, and taxes paid for each of the three years.
- 3. Compute Tax Liability:
With the details in place, leverage online tax calculators to compute your tax liability for each year.
- 4. Pay Pending Taxes:
Before submitting your ITR, settle any outstanding taxes for the three years. The Income Tax Department’s website offers a seamless online payment gateway for your convenience.
- 5. File the ITR Form:
Once the information is meticulously filled, and any pending taxes are cleared, proceed to file the ITR for each of the three years online on the official Income Tax Department’s website.
- 6. Verify the ITR:
The journey concludes with the verification of your ITR. This can be done using your Aadhaar card, net banking, or by dispatching a physical copy of the ITR-V to the Income Tax Department.
Conclusion:
Filing an ITR-U can be your beacon of hope if you missed the belated deadline. As you traverse the intricate paths of tax obligations, remember that filing before the deadline is always the best practice. Proactive management of your financial responsibilities ensures compliance and, most importantly, peace of mind. Stay informed, stay ahead.
