This blog post provides a comprehensive guide for individuals who have missed the September 16, 2025, deadline for filing their Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 2024-25. It reassures readers that filing is still possible through a "belated return" by December 31, 2025, but outlines the associated penalties, including late filing fees (₹1,000 or ₹5,000) and interest on unpaid tax. The article also details other consequences of late filing, such as the inability to carry forward certain losses, delayed refunds, and potential loss of specific deductions. It touches on rare exceptions and what happens if even the belated deadline is missed. Finally, it offers practical advice to act promptly, gather documents, compute accurately, and seek professional help, promoting MyITROnline as a solution for simplified tax filing.