ITR Filing Deadline 2024 – What You Need to Know

If you’re scratching your head about when to file your Income Tax Return (ITR) this year, you’re not alone. The deadline can feel like a moving target, especially with the pandemic‑induced changes we’ve seen in recent years. Here’s a plain‑language rundown of the key dates, what happens if you miss them, and a few tricks to keep the process painless.

Key Dates and Extensions

For most individual taxpayers, the original deadline for the financial year 2023‑24 is July 31, 2024. This applies to salaried employees, self‑employed professionals, and people who earn interest or rent income. If you’re a company, partnership firm, or an LLP, the cut‑off is September 30, 2024.

Got a good reason for missing the deadline? The Income Tax Department may grant a short extension, but only in limited cases like natural disasters or technical glitches on the e‑filing portal. The extension isn’t automatic; you’ll need to apply through the official portal and provide supporting documents.

Don’t forget the interest charge if you file late. The penalty starts at 1% of the tax due for each month (or part of a month) you’re late, up to a maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax. So the sooner you file, the less you’ll pay.

Practical Tips to File on Time

Gather documents early. Your Form 16, interest certificates, rent receipts, and bank statements should be ready at least a week before you start. Having everything in one folder (digital or paper) cuts down on last‑minute hunting.

Use the online portal. The e‑filing website is faster than any manual filing. Create a login with your PAN, verify your mobile number, and you’re set. The portal also auto‑fills many fields if you’ve filed before, which saves a lot of typing.

Double‑check your calculations. A common mistake is forgetting to claim the deduction for health insurance under Section 80D or the home loan interest under Section 24. Use the built‑in calculator on the portal; it flags missing entries before you submit.

File a ‘draft’ first. The portal lets you save a draft version of your ITR. Submit the draft, review the preview, and make edits if needed. This safety net prevents accidental submissions with errors.

Set a reminder. Mark July 15 on your phone calendar as a “final check” date. Even if you plan to file on July 30, a reminder gives you a buffer to fix any glitches.

Lastly, keep the acknowledgment (ITR‑V) safe. It’s proof that you filed on time and can be shown to banks or lenders if they ask for it.

Following these steps makes the filing process feel less like a chore and more like a quick checklist. The deadline is real, but with a little planning you can beat the stress and avoid any extra charges.