Income Tax Return Due Date

Income tax return filing must be done by all individuals, businesses and not-for-profit entities on or before the due date to avoid penalty. The due date for an income tax return for individuals is 31st July of each financial year. In case of a business or legal entity, the income tax return due date would vary based on the question of whether tax audit is required. In this article, we briefly discuss the concept of the applicable due date for filing income tax returns.

Who should File an Income Tax Return?

The following persons are required to file the income tax return in India.

Every individual/HUF/AOP/BOI/artificial judicial person, if their total income exceeds the maximum exemption limit. Hence, any person having an income of more than Rs.2.5 lakhs in a year must file an income tax return.
All companies must file an income tax return, irrespective of turnover, profit or loss.
A partnership firm and LLPs must file an income tax return, irrespective of turnover, profit or loss.
Charitable/religious trust must file an income tax return if the total income exceeds the specified exemption limit.
Political parties must file an income tax return if the total income received by the political party exceeds the maximum exemption limit.
Associations must file an income tax return if their total income exceeds the specified exemption limit.
University, college or institution, disregarding the quantum of profit or loss.
Business trusts which are not regulated to file a return of income or loss under any provisions of the Act, disregarding the quantum of profit or loss.
Investment funds specified in Section 115UB which is not regulated to file a return of income or loss under any other provisions of the Act, disregarding the quantum of profit or loss.
Assessees possessing assets outside India.

Due Date for Filing Income Tax Return

The due dates for filing income tax returns are as follows:

Salaried taxpayers who are in receipt of salaried income, interest income and income from house property must file an income tax return before 31st July.
Taxpayers enrolled under the presumptive taxation scheme not requiring tax audit must file an income tax return before 31st July.
Taxpayers having a business or professional income who do not require a tax audit must file an income tax return before 31st July.
Taxpayers having a business or professional interest income who require tax audit must file an income tax return on or before 30th September.
Companies and corporate taxpayers required to obtain tax audit must file the required income tax return on or before 30th September.

Due Date for Belated Returns

Taxpayers who fail to file an income tax return before the due date can file belated income tax returns along with payment of penalty. This provision enables the taxpayer to file the returns before the end of the particular assessment year or prior to the completion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.

Due Date for Filing Revised Income Tax Return

A person is entitled to file a revised return if he/she identifies any omission or wrong statement in the returns so filed, even if it is a belated return. The due date for filing the revised return for the Assessment Year of 2018-19 is stipulated to be the 31^st of March, 2019.

Latest Update on the Pay Later Option for Income Tax Filing

The Income Tax e-filing portal has recently rolled out a 'Pay Later' option, allowing you to complete your tax filing process before making any tax payments. You can pay taxes after you are done filing. For additional information, please refer to our guide – Pay later option for the Income tax return filing.

Penalty for Late Filing

The income-tax laws are being formulated in such a way as to ensure proper compliance with the system. Delayed filing of returns will not only lead to significant penalties but will also result in the following consequences:

Losses, except for the ones incurred under the head “Income from house property” cannot be carried forward.
The defaulting taxpayer will be imposed with interest under Section 234A.
The taxpayer will be deprived of certain exemptions and income tax deductions.