December 31 ITR Deadline Over: Limited Paths to Tax Refund

In India, December 31 is the last day to file a revised or belated income tax return (ITR).

Missing this deadline can be stressful, especially if you're expecting a refund.

However, there are still some ways to get your refund.

If you filed your original return on time, you can ask for corrections through a process called rectification.

This can fix mistakes like incorrect tax calculations or TDS mismatches.

If you didn't file any return at all, you might be able to file an updated return, but this usually involves paying extra taxes or penalties.

In rare cases, you can ask for special permission to file late, but this is not guaranteed.

Experts advise checking your return status and filing a rectification request if there are clear errors.

Refunds can take time, so don't worry if you haven't received yours yet.

As of now, over 63 lakh ITRs for the assessment year 2025–26 are still pending, which might delay refunds for many taxpayers.