Under Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, taxpayers can file belated returns within a period of one year. This can be from the end of the relevant assessment year or prior to the conclusion of the assessment, whichever is earlier.
Income tax authorities provide you with a due date for filing ITR. Hence, if you miss the deadline or receive a notice under Section 142(1), file a belated return under Section 139(4) for your income tax return.
As of FY 2022-23, the following situations necessitate the submission of an income tax return:
If an individual's total income exceeds ₹2.50 Lakhs
If over ₹1 Crore is deposited in a current account with a cooperative bank or bank in a fiscal year
Here are a few limitations of filing a return u/s 139(4):
Carry forward of losses restricted under the heads ‘capital gain’ and ‘business and profession’
Penalties and interest must be paid on late returns
Deductions under sections 10A, 10B, 80-IA, 80-IB, 80-IC, 80-ID, and 80-IE are prohibited
Delays resulting from taxpayer’s late filing will result in forfeiting of interest on refunds u/s 244A
Taxpayers submitting a late return cannot select a different tax structure
Individuals earning income from property held under a religious/charitable trust must file tax returns under Section 139(4A). If an individual earns income from voluntary contributions specified in subsection 2(24)(iia), they may need to file returns under Section 139(4A).
This is necessary if their total income surpasses the maximum non-taxable limit allowed by income tax.
Political parties must file income tax returns as per Section 139(4B) if their total income goes beyond the maximum tax exempt limit permitted. The Secretary or the Chief Executive Office of every political party must furnish this income tax return as is applicable.
Section 139(4C) oversees the ITR of institutions claiming exemptions u/s 10. Entities that are compulsorily compelled to file tax returns under Section 139(4C) include those whose accumulation of funds exceeds the exemption's maximum permitted limit. Other exemption benefits received by the institution are not included in this.
The institutions covered by Section 139(4C) propose to apply for tax exemptions u/s 10 in accordance with the following provisions:
Clauses 21, 22, B, 23, A, C, D, DA, FB, 24, and 47
Like Section 139(4C), this section also applies to the ITR of entities claiming Section 10 exemptions. All colleges, universities, and institutions that are not required to file ITR under any other provision of Section 10 must file returns u/s 139(4D).
In accordance with Section 139(4D), the following Income Tax subsections are applied: Sections 35(1)(ii)and 35(1)(iii).
Investment funds under Section 115UB, not obliged to file returns under other provisions of this section, must submit ITR each previous year. This must be in regard to its income or loss in each prior year. Every provision of this Act will apply, to the extent possible, as if it were a return required to be provided under subsection (1).
The following repercussions will apply if a return is filed after the deadline for filing ITR:
Assessee is accountable to pay penal interest u/s 234A
Assessee is responsible for paying the Section 234F late filing fee
In case the total revenue is under ₹5 Lakhs, the late filing fee cannot be more than ₹1,000. However, if the ITR is submitted after the last date, as mentioned in the notice issued u/s 139(1), the following consequences may be applicable:
₹5,000 payable if ITR is furnished before 31st December of the assessment year
₹10,000 payable if ITR is furnished after 31st December of the assessment year
Aside from these repercussions, deductions under the following sections will not be applicable if the return is submitted after the deadline:
Sections 10A and 10B
Sections 80-IA, 80-IAB, and 80-IAC
Sections 80-IB and 80-IBA
Section 80-IC
Section 80-ID
Section 80-IE
Sections 80JJA and 80JJAA
Section 80LA
Sections 80P and 80PA
Section 80QQB
Additionally, carry forward of some losses is not allowed if the return of loss is made after the deadline. However, if a return is filed late and such a claim is made, the CBDT has the authority under section 119(2) to excuse the delay.
FAQs
What is income tax Section 139(4)?
Section 139(4) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, states provisions on belated ITR filing. To put it simply, it provides guidelines on filing ITR after the due date.
Can you revise belated returns?
Yes, you can review the ITR filed under Section 139(4).
Can you file your IT return after your due date?
Yes, you can file your income tax return after the due date. However, it will be considered as belated filing and late filing fees shall be levied.
Can a tax return be claimed for a belated return?
You can claim tax return when filing a late return under Section 139(4). The refund will be directly credited to the bank account that is listed on your ITR. You facilitate the simple processing of a refund, make sure to pre-validate your bank account.
Am I supposed to verify my belated return under this section electronically?
Yes. A taxpayer must electronically validate any belated returns submitted after the deadline. It must be e-verified before the I-T Department may process it.
Can I file a revised return after one year?
A revised return can be filed before the end of the relevant assessment period, or prior to the end of the assessment period.
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