New Delhi, June 29 -- Missing the deadline to file income tax return (ITR) doesn't always mean you can't claim a tax refund. If excess tax was deducted from your salary, bank interest, or other income in financial year 2024-25 (AY 25-26), you may still be able to receive the refund, but the options will be limited.

Since the deadline to file a belated return for FY25 already lapsed on December 31, 2025, taxpayers can no longer use that route to claim a refund. Hence, it is important to file your ITR within the original deadline, or at least before the end of the relevant assessment year to ensure a hassle-free refund and avoid additional procedural hurdles.

However, if you had a genuine reason which prevented you from filing your origin...