The deadline for filing income tax returns (ITR) for most individual taxpayers for FY 2025-26 is July 31, 2026. Failing to meet this deadline results in a belated return, incurring a late filing fee of up to Rs 1,000 for incomes up to Rs 5 lakh, and up to Rs 5,000 for higher incomes, if filed by December 31, 2026. Additional interest may apply to unpaid taxes, and benefits like carrying forward business losses can be forfeited.