Many taxpayers often wonder, “Can I file ITR for last 3 years now?” especially when they realize that they have missed the tax return deadlines for several years. The good news is that the Indian Income Tax Department has provisions that allow taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITR) for previous years even if the deadlines have passed. However, it’s important to understand the exact rules, limitations, and penalties involved.
In this comprehensive guide, we will answer the frequently asked question “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?” and explain the latest tax filing options available in 2025. We will also cover key terms like belated return filing, past year ITR filing, and late tax return procedures so that you can take the right steps to become compliant without any confusion or unnecessary legal risk.
If you’re worried about your missed filings or wondering how to catch up with your tax returns, keep reading. This article will guide you on how to file ITR for past years, what penalties you might face, and how trusted service providers like Finodha can simplify the process. Additionally, if you are a business owner, you may want to check out their services on online GST registration and online Udyam/Udyog Aadhar MSME registration to stay fully compliant with all tax regulations.
Understanding the ITR Filing Timeline in India
To properly address the question “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?”, you first need to understand how the Income Tax Department defines the tax year and the deadlines associated with filing.
- The Financial Year (FY) in India runs from April 1st to March 31st of the following year. This is the period during which you earn income.
- The Assessment Year (AY) is the year immediately following the financial year, in which you are required to file your tax return. For example, income earned in FY 2021-22 is assessed in AY 2022-23.
Typically, the deadline for filing your ITR is July 31st of the Assessment Year. If you fail to file by this date, you can still submit a belated return up until December 31st of the same Assessment Year. This belated return filing comes with penalties but allows you to fulfill your tax obligations.
Now, many taxpayers ask: “Can I file ITR for last 3 years now?” The regular system only allows late filing up to December 31st of the Assessment Year, which means you cannot file a belated return for an assessment year older than the previous one.
However, recent changes introduced the Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A), which permits taxpayers to file or revise returns for up to two prior Assessment Years beyond the belated filing deadlines. So, with the updated return, you can catch up on past returns that you might have missed but within the limits set by the tax laws.
If you are starting a new business or company and worried about compliance, consider private limited company registration or one person company (OPC) registration to formalize your setup and streamline tax filings.
Filing Past Year ITRs: What the Law Says
When you ask, “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?”, it’s essential to understand the specific legal framework that governs late tax filings:
- You can file a regular return on or before the due date (July 31).
- If you miss the regular deadline, you can still file a belated return by December 31 of the Assessment Year. This is what is commonly referred to as belated return filing.
- Beyond the belated return deadline, the Income Tax Department now allows taxpayers to file an Updated Return (ITR-U) for up to two previous Assessment Years. This means you can file or revise returns for the last two AYs after the December 31 deadline but with some important restrictions.
- For any past year ITR filing older than two AYs, filing is generally not allowed unless you apply for condonation of delay under Section 119(2)(b), which the tax department can approve in special circumstances.
- ITR-U does not allow refund claims or carry-forward of losses, meaning if you have a tax refund pending from a past year, you will not receive it if you file using ITR-U.
- Penalties and interest apply on late tax returns. For example, penalties can range from 25% to 50% of the tax due, depending on how late you file.
So, when answering “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?”, the truth is that you can file for the last two years via ITR-U, but for the third year, you will need special approval through condonation.
Step-by-Step Guide to File a Late Tax Return (ITR-U)
If your question is, “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?”, here’s a detailed guide to help you file a late tax return using the new ITR-U form:
Step 1 – Log in to the Income Tax e-filing portal
Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in and log in using your PAN and password.
Step 2 – Select the “ITR-U” option and choose the Assessment Year
Navigate to the e-file section, pick the ITR-U form, and select the assessment year for which you want to file the updated return.
Step 3 – Enter your income and deduction details
Fill in all income details including salary, business income, capital gains, and deductions as per your documents like Form 16, bank statements, and investment proofs.
Step 4 – Calculate any additional tax or interest payable
If you owe any taxes, calculate the amount including applicable interest for late payment.
Step 5 – Submit the return and verify your identity
Submit your return and verify it using Aadhaar OTP, Electronic Verification Code (EVC), or net banking.
Step 6 – Download and save the acknowledgment
After successful submission, download the ITR-V acknowledgment for your records.
By following these steps, you can ensure you comply with tax laws even if you missed the original deadlines. Remember, this process applies for filing ITR for the last two years. For the third year, consult a tax professional for condonation options.
Key Considerations Before Filing Late Tax Returns
Before you decide to file your ITR for the past years, especially if you are wondering “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?”, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
- Eligibility for ITR-U: You can only file Updated Returns for the last two Assessment Years, not beyond that.
- Refunds are not allowed: If you are expecting any tax refund from the late returns, filing through ITR-U will not get you that refund.
- Loss carry-forward not permitted: Losses cannot be carried forward from returns filed using ITR-U.
- Penalties: Late filing attracts penalties, which can be between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 or 25-50% of the tax due.
- Documents: Keep handy documents such as Form 16, bank statements, investment proofs, and other relevant paperwork.
- Legal Risks: Ignoring tax filing can lead to legal notices, prosecution, or fines.
- Special Cases: If you want to file for more than 2 years back, you must apply for condonation of delay, which is not guaranteed and can be time-consuming.
How Finodha Can Help You File ITR Stress-Free
If you are still asking yourself, “can I file ITR for last 3 years now?” and feeling overwhelmed by the process, Finodha can help. Finodha provides affordable tax filing solutions starting as low as ₹690.
They offer expert support for all kinds of tax returns, including:
- Belated return filing for the current AY within deadlines
- Past year ITR filing using updated returns (ITR-U) for the last two years
- Assistance with late tax return penalties and interest calculations
- Filing condonation of delay applications for returns older than 2 AYs
- Step-by-step guidance and personalized support from tax experts
Finodha’s streamlined online process and transparent pricing make it easy to become compliant without wasting time or risking penalties. They also offer help with filing GST returns and other tax-related compliance.
Conclusion
To answer the most common question — “Can I file ITR for last 3 years now?” — you can file your tax returns for the last two Assessment Years using the new Updated Return (ITR-U) scheme. For the third year, you will need to apply for condonation of delay from the Income Tax Department.
Filing your returns late is better than not filing at all, as it helps avoid legal trouble and penalties. Use the e-filing portal or trusted platforms like Finodha to make the process easier.
Stay proactive, gather your documents, calculate taxes owed including interest and penalties, and file your returns correctly. This will help you become tax compliant and avoid future hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I file ITR for last 3 years now?
Yes, you can file for the last two years using the Updated Return (ITR-U) option. For the third year, you need to apply for condonation of delay with the tax department.
Q2. Is belated return filing still allowed in 2025?
Belated return filing is allowed only up to December 31 of the Assessment Year. After that, only ITR-U can be filed for the last two AYs.
Q3. What happens if I file ITR late using ITR-U?
You can file late returns but refunds are not allowed and carry-forward of losses is not permitted. Penalties and interest will apply.
Q4. Can salaried individuals use ITR-U for late tax return?
Yes, salaried taxpayers, as well as self-employed individuals, can file ITR-U for up to two past Assessment Years.
Q5. What if I missed filing for more than 3 years?
For returns older than two AYs, you must file a condonation application under Section 119(2)(b). Approval is discretionary and not automatic.
Q6. Can I file all 3 years at once?
You can file two years via ITR-U and the third year only after condonation approval from the tax department.
Q7. Are there penalties for late tax return filing?
Yes, penalties can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 or 25% to 50% of the tax due, depending on how late you file.
Q8. How can Finodha assist me if I want to file ITR for last 3 years now?
Finodha offers expert help for filing belated returns, past year ITR filing, ITR-U submissions, and condonation applications, making the process smooth and affordable.
More Information: https://taxinformation.cbic.gov.in/
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