Can I File ITR for Last 3 Years Now?
- Bhavika Rajput
- 8 hours ago
- 7 min read
You frequently discover that you have missed the income tax return (ITR) due after it has passed. There's good news if you're concerned about the repercussions. There is still time for you to file and stay out of serious trouble. Taxpayers can stay in compliance with tax laws by taking advantage of this opportunity to repair any missed or inaccurate files. According to the Income Tax Act's Section 139(8A), taxpayers have four years from the end of the relevant assessment year to file an Updated Return, or ITR-U. Depending on the filing deadline, there may be additional penalties. You can file the ITR for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25) until March 31, 2029, and so forth if you have missed the due dates for that specific year.
Table of Contents
ITR Filing Deadline
Individuals typically have until July 31st of the assessment year to file their ITRs. The deadline for companies that need an audit is usually October 31st. The due date for non-audit taxpayers in FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) has been extended to 15 September 2025. Punishments are avoided and compliance is ensured by timely ITR filing, but what happens if these deadlines are missed? We will explain how this situation can be addressed.
Consequences of Missing ITR Filing
The following repercussions will occur if an ITR is not filed by the deadline:
Interest under Sections 234C, 234B, and 234A at 1% per month each.
Rs. 5,000 in late fees under Section 234F.
Inability to roll over losses from the current year.
The possibility of receiving notifications from the Income Tax Department.
Taxpayers may choose to file a belated return by December 31 of the applicable assessment year, but doing so will result in the same penalties as if they missed the original ITR filing date.
Extended Timeline for Filing Updated ITR as Per the Budget 2025
The deadline for filing amended Income Tax Returns (ITR) has been extended from two years to four years from the end of the relevant assessment year, a major change that was announced during Budget 2025. For instance, you can now file a revised ITR using Form ITR-U by March 31, 2026 (four years after the assessment year ends), and pay the relevant additional tax and penalties, if you earned Rs. 5,00,000 from a freelancing job in FY 2021–22 but neglected to mention it in your original ITR. With effect from April 2025, this modification gives taxpayers more freedom to correct mistakes in their tax returns or record income that was overlooked. An updated ITR can only be filed to reflect a higher tax liability, as opposed to a revised return, which permits adjustments to claim deductions or lower tax liability.
Belated ITR under Section 139(4)
Taxpayers who missed the original ITR filing deadline may still file their ITR by December 31 of the applicable assessment year, according to Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act. A belated return is the term for this kind of comeback. Taxpayers who file their returns after the deadline are required to pay interest and late fines.
Updated ITR under Section 139(8A)
The Updated Return u/s 139(8A) idea was introduced in Budget 2022, enabling taxpayers who missed the delayed return to file their ITR within two years of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year. Budget 2025 included an amendment to this item. Within four years of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year, taxpayers are permitted to file an amended return under Section 139(8A); however, the timing of the submission may result in additional tax as a penalty. The following is the revised return's extra tax rate:
The additional tax rate is 25% of the tax and interest owed if the filing is done within a year or 12 months of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
The additional tax rate is 50% of the tax and interest owed if the filing is made within 24 months (2 years) of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
The additional tax rate is 60% of the tax and interest owed if the filing is made within three years (36 months) of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
The additional tax rate is 70% of the tax and interest owed if the filing is made within 48 months (4 years) of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
Can You File ITR for the Last 3 Years?
Yes, even if you missed the deadline, you can still file your ITR for the previous three years. However, you will be required to file an updated return instead of a belated return for more than one prior year. For instance:
You have until March 31, 2027, to file your ITR if you haven't already for FY 2021–22 (AY 2022-23).
You have until March 31, 2029, to file your ITR if you haven't already for FY 2023-24 (AY 2024-25).
However, it's crucial to know that there will be an additional tax rate.
Time Limit to File Updated Returns
According to the Budget 2025, you have four years (48 months) from the end of the relevant assessment year to file your ITR-U. For instance:
The deadline for filing ITR-U for AY 2022–2023 is March 31, 2027.
The deadline for filing ITR-U for AY 2024–2025 is March 31, 2029.
ITR-U Updated Return
The ITR-U form was introduced by the government in the Union Budget 2022. Up to two years after the conclusion of the applicable assessment year, taxpayers are permitted to make corrections or omit information from their previously filed income tax returns. For people who either neglected to file their income tax returns or made mistakes and wrong inputs, this form offers a lifeline. Taxpayers can amend the ITR within 24 months from the end of the assessment year when the original ITR was submitted as per Section 139(8A).
Illustration: X missed out on ITR submission for FY 2022–2023 (AY 2023–24). He became aware of his error in September 2025, or AY 2025–2026. He now wants to submit his AY 2023–2024 ITR. Since the deadline for filing is March 31, 2028, Mr. A is permitted to file an amended return for AY 2023–2024; but, since the ITR is filed within 24 months of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year, there will be an additional 50% tax and interest.
Steps to File Updated ITR
Step 1: Choose the ITR form (1–7) that best suits your financial circumstances for each of the three years. Every form accommodates various income levels and taxpayer categories.
Step 2: To download the relevant ITR form for each of the years you missed, go to the official website of the Income Tax Department.
Step 3: Fill out the form for each year with correct information. Personal information, earnings, deductions, and taxes paid are all included in this.
Step 4: You must complete the ITR-U form, which is intended especially for revising previously filed or unfiled returns, in addition to the standard ITR form.
Step 5: Collect all of the necessary paperwork for each of the three years. This covers bank statements, Form 16, Form 26AS, and any other documents pertaining to your earnings and assets. These materials will give you the specific details you need to fill out your ITR forms correctly.
Step 6: Determine any taxes due and, if relevant, the interest associated with late filing. For accuracy, use the accessible online calculators.
Step 7: Pay any taxes you owe before filing your returns. The e-payment feature on the Income Tax Department's website allows you to complete this online.
Step 8: Use the e-filing facility to file your returns online by uploading the completed forms together with any necessary supporting paperwork.
Step 9: Following submission, confirm your returns using Aadhaar OTP, EVC, or DSC in accordance with the guidelines established by the Income Tax Department. You can successfully file your ITR for the previous three years by following these instructions. However, in order to avoid fines or interest costs, it is best to always file your ITR on time.
Conclusion
The ITR-U form, which was introduced in the Union Budget 2022, allows you to update your files if you haven't filed your ITR in the previous three years. To assist you in staying in compliance and avoid penalties, you can use this form to amend previous returns up to two years following the relevant assessment year. If you're filing late, it's crucial to pay any additional taxes and properly complete all the required procedures. To reduce problems, always strive for precise and timely submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file ITR for the last 3 years now?
Yes, you have a time frame of three years (36 months) from the end of the AY to file an amended return u/s 139(8A). However, you will also be required to pay interest and an extra tax equal to 60% of the tax amount.
Can I file ITR for the last 2 years?
Yes, you can submit an amended return by paying an extra 50% tax and interest within 24 months (2 years) of the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
Can we file ITR for FY 2021-22 now?
You have until March 31, 2027, to file your ITR if you haven't already for FY 2021–22 (AY 2022-23).
Can we file ITR for AY 2022-23?
An Updated Return must be filed within four years following the conclusion of the applicable Assessment Year. Thus, for AY 2022–2023—four years from the end of March 31, 2023—the deadline for filing an Updated Return in Form ITR-U is March 31, 2027.
Which assessment year is this for ITR?
The current financial year is 2024-25, while the assessment year is 2025-26.
Can I file ITR for the last 4 years?
Yes, if you pay an additional 70% of the tax amount plus interest, you can file an updated return up to 48 months (4 years) after the end of the relevant assessment year.
Can I file ITR for the last 5 years now?
No, you have four years (48 months) from the end of the relevant assessment year to file an updated return.
Can I file ITR for the last 10 years now?
No, you are not permitted to file an ITR for the past ten years. An updated return must be filed no later than 48 months (4 years) after the conclusion of the applicable assessment year.
Is a rebate available if I file an updated return?
No, rebate under Section 87A is not applicable to updated returns.
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