Income Tax Return Filing for Last 3 Year AY 2025-26, A.Y. 2024-25, A.Y. 2023-24

 

The standard filing windows for the three assessment years (AY) you mentioned have mostly closed. However, there are still ways to file using specific provisions like Updated Returns (ITR-U) or Condonation of Delay.

Here is the current status and the available path for each year:

Summary Table: ITR Filing Options (as of Feb 2026)

Assessment Year (AY)

Financial Year (FY)

Status of Regular/Belated Return

Current Filing Option

AY 2025-26

FY 2024-25

Closed (Expired Dec 31, 2025)

ITR-U (Opens April 1, 2026)

AY 2024-25

FY 2023-24

Closed (Expired Dec 31, 2024)

ITR-U (Available Now)

AY 2023-24

FY 2022-23

Closed (Expired Dec 31, 2023)

ITR-U (Available Now)

 

1. AY 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25)

The deadline for filing a Belated Return for this year was December 31, 2025. Since we are now in February 2026, you cannot file a standard return anymore.

  • The Wait: You are currently in a "gap" period. The ITR-U (Updated Return) utility for this year will likely only open on April 1, 2026 (after the current Assessment Year ends).
  • Exception: If you have a refund claim and missed the deadline due to genuine hardship, you can file a Condonation of Delay request under Section 119(2)(b) through the e-filing portal.

2. AY 2024-25 and AY 2023-24

For these years, the standard windows are long gone. Your primary option is to file an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A).

What you need to know about ITR-U:

  • New 48-Month Window: Thanks to the Finance Act 2025, you can now file an Updated Return within 4 years (48 months) from the end of the relevant assessment year.
  • Additional Tax: Filing late isn't free. You must pay an "Additional Tax" on the total of your tax and interest:
    • 25% additional tax: If filed within 12 months from the end of the AY.
    • 50% additional tax: If filed between 12 to 24 months.
    • 60%–70% additional tax: If filed in the 3rd or 4th year (new slabs).
  • Restrictions: You cannot use ITR-U to:
    • Claim a refund or increase an existing refund.
    • File a "Nil" return (unless you had a previous return).
    • Claim or increase a loss.

3. Penalties & Fees (Section 234F)

When filing for these past years, a late filing fee is mandatory:

  • Total Income > ₹5 Lakh: Penalty of ₹5,000.
  • Total Income ≤ ₹5 Lakh: Penalty of ₹1,000.
  • Interest: 1% per month (Section 234A) will be charged on any unpaid tax from the original due date until today.

 

How to Proceed

  1. Check your AIS/TIS: Log in to the Income Tax Portal and check your Annual Information Statement for all three years to ensure you aren't missing any reported income (like FD interest or share sales).
  2. Use the Offline Utility: ITR-U usually requires downloading the "Excel" or "JSON" utility for the specific year from the Income Tax Downloads page.
  3. Pay Taxes First: You must pay the tax, interest, and the 25%/50% additional tax using Challan ITNS 280 (under "Tax on Updated Return") before you can upload the return.

Note on Refunds: If your goal is specifically to claim a refund for these years, ITR-U is not the tool for you. You must file a Condonation of Delay request via the "Services" tab on the portal and wait for approval from the Commissioner.

 

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Location: India

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