However, we suggest that you file returns before the last date of filing your income tax return. Promptly filing ITRs not only makes you a responsible citizen of the country, but it also offers several benefits. Some of these advantages are as follows:

• Filing income tax returns on time helps individuals apply for a vehicle loan, house loan, etc.
• When you file ITR on time, you receive refunds at the earliest.
• ITR can be used as proof of address as well as income, which are mandatory when applying for a loan or visa.
• At the time of visa application, most consulates and embassies call for you to submit copies of income tax returns for the past couple of years.
• Filing ITR before the due date helps you avoid penalties and persecution. When the net tax payable amount exceeds ₹3,000, an income tax officer can initiate proceedings for one’s persecution for a term of up to 2 years. Furthermore, if an individual owes over ₹25,00,000 of tax, the term of persecution may extend to 7 years. Additionally, an income tax officer can impose a 50% penalty on the due tax on account of an under-reporting of income.
• Taxpayers cannot file ITR without paying taxes. Section 234A mandates the payment of interest at the rate of 1% per month immediately after the due date of paying taxes and till the date of payment. When you file an income tax return on time, you also avoid paying additional interest. Therefore, the longer you wait to pay taxes and file returns, the more you pay.

And with that, we have reached the end of today’s article. This guide was curated to simplify filing income tax returns for you. We hope that knowing all important tax-related dates will make this process less cumbersome and more convenient.