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Missed Deadline? Unverified Tax Returns Face Penalties in 2025
6 Aug
Summary
- Unverified tax returns treated as not filed, attracting penalties
- 30-day window for e-verification starts from filing date, not deadline
- Delayed verification requires condonation request, return valid only if approved
As of August 6th, 2025, the Income Tax Department has issued a critical warning for taxpayers: if you've filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) this year but failed to verify it within 30 days, your return will be treated as invalid.
The filing deadline has been extended to September 15th, 2025 for many taxpayers. However, the 30-day window for e-verification begins from the date you file your return, not the deadline. If you forget or delay this crucial step, your return will be treated as if it was never filed, attracting late filing penalties, interest, and even a notice from the department.
To rectify the situation, taxpayers can still verify their return online even after 120 days, but they'll need to request a condonation of delay and provide an appropriate reason. The return will only be considered verified if the Income Tax Department approves the request.
The department emphasizes that e-verification is the final step that completes the filing process. Failing to do so within the 30-day timeframe will result in the return being treated as not filed, with all the consequences that entails under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
