The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for AY 2025-26 ended on September 16 for taxpayers whose accounts did not need an audit.
The government extended the date twice, giving people extra time, but many still missed the final cut-off.
Now, with the next key date approaching on December 31, many taxpayers are unsure if they can still receive their tax refunds through a belated return.
The good news is that refunds are still possible—even after the original deadline.
Belated Returns Still Eligible for Refunds
A belated return can be filed anytime after the original due date but before December 31.
Many salaried individuals assume that missing the July 31 deadline means losing their refund.
That is not true.
Refunds are issued even on belated returns.
However, there are consequences that can reduce the amount you receive or delay the payment.
Why Belated Filers Lose Refund Interest
Refund interest is the biggest loss for late filers.
As per Section 244A, interest on refunds is paid from April 1 of the assessment year only if the return was filed on time.
If you file late, interest is calculated only from the date you submit your return.
This means you lose several months of interest—money many taxpayers expect but never receive.
Common Worries About Belated Refunds
Many taxpayers believe belated returns do not get refunds because of:
Longer refund processing times
Status staying “under processing” for weeks
TDS or AIS mismatches
Refunds getting adjusted against old tax demands
These issues may delay or reduce the refund amount, but they do not stop the refund itself.
Costs and Penalties for Filing Late
Filing a belated ITR comes with some financial implications:
Late Fee under Section 234F
Rs 5,000 late fee
Rs 1,000 if income is below Rs 5 lakh
Interest under Section 234A
If any tax is unpaid, you pay 1 percent monthly interest from the due date.
If no tax is pending, this does not apply.
Loss of Carry-Forward Benefits
Belated returns cannot carry forward losses from:
House property
Capital gains
Business income
This is a major drawback for investors and business owners.
Challenges Belated Filers Often Face
Late filing increases the chances of issues such as:
AIS or Form 26AS mismatches
Refund adjustment against old tax demands
Bank account not pre-validated
Less time to revise or correct your return
These can slow down your refund or reduce it.
What You Must Do Before December 31
To ensure a smooth refund experience, taxpayers should:
Check AIS, Form 26AS and Form 16 for accuracy
Pre-validate their bank account
Verify the ITR immediately after filing
Reconfirm deductions under 80C, 80D, 80CCD and home loan interest
File early instead of waiting until December 31
Missing deductions is a common mistake that reduces refunds.
How to Check Refund Status
You can track your refund through:
Income Tax Portal
e-File → Income Tax Returns → View Filed Returns → Refund Status
TIN-NSDL Refund Tracking Tool
It shows whether the refund is issued, under process, failed or adjusted.
The Bottom Line
Missing the July 31 deadline does not take away your refund.
Belated returns are fully eligible for refunds, but you may lose interest and face delays.
With the December 31 belated ITR deadline approaching, taxpayers expecting refunds should file soon, validate their bank details and cross-check all income and TDS data to avoid unnecessary delays.
