How to file income tax return for last year?

Missed filing your taxes for the last year or received an overdue income tax filing notice? You can still manage to complete the process. 

The Government has amended a few rules for filing the income tax return for last year. You can now file your belated income tax return anytime on or before 1 year from the end of the relevant or specific Assessment Year. For instance, to file your income tax returns for AY 2019- 2020, the last day to file your belated return was 31 March 2020. 

With the moderation of rules for filing your last year's income tax, the Government does not put hefty penalties and interest charges if you file the tax within the stipulated period. This brings us to the question of how to file the income tax return for last year? 

Filing your income tax for last year is similar to how you would file your taxes for the current financial year. However, the main aspect to keep in mind is your financials, investments, and other information to be collated for the specific Assessment Year you will be filing your income tax. Below are the steps on how you can file your income tax return for last year. 

• Step 1: Calculate your income for the last year. This calculation should be income from all sources such as salary, freelancing, interest or dividend income and any other source. Claim the deductions, exemptions and rebates as specific to the last year. 
• Step 2: Select the correct income tax return form for you to file. To file your taxes online, there are only two income tax forms present ITR 1 and ITR 4. If your fall in any other category, you would have to proceed via the traditional means of filing your taxes. It is advisable to check with your Chartered Accountant before you proceed with the same. 
• Step 3: Download the income tax return utility from the income tax digital portal. Make sure you select the exact assessment year as you are filing your tax for last year. 
• Step 4: Fill in your details in the downloaded file. There are specific detailed tabs; make sure to fill in the correct figures and carry out the verification for the same before you validate our form. 
• Step 5: Within the form itself on the main page, there is a validate button. But before you validate your income tax return, make sure all the required information is filled in. 
• Step 6: Convert your filled and validated file to the requisite upload format of the XML format. 
• Step 7: Log into the e- filing portal, select the e-file tab and select the income tax return option. Input the necessary details such as Pan, Assessment Year- this is extremely important as you are filing returns for the last year. ITR form number and the submission mode. Upload your XML file and select submit. 
• Step 8 – verify your income tax return submission through the Aadhar OTP or electronic verification code. 

This is the generic means to file your income tax return for last year. However, the tax department permits you to file your previous year taxes post the deadline in some instances. You need to file a condonation of delay request with the tax department. You can send a formal request to the income tax commissioner to file your income tax returns with the exact reason for missing the deadline. However, there are stipulations and criterion for the officer to accept your request: 

•  The claim is genuine and accurate.
• The income tax case is established on authentic hardship of merit. 
•   A refund resulted from excess deduction of tax, advance tax, TDS or self-assessment tax. 

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