December is a crucial and busy month for taxpayers because several major income tax–related tasks must be completed before the month ends.
These tasks include filing pending returns, submitting various tax forms, paying TDS and advance tax, and meeting compliance deadlines.
Missing any of these may result in penalties, late fees, or delays in processing. Here is a detailed overview of all important deadlines you need to keep track of.
Key Deadlines and Tasks Throughout the Month
December 10: Extended ITR Filing Deadline
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline for taxpayers whose accounts require auditing. The last date, originally October 31, 2025, has now been pushed to December 10, 2025.
This extension was granted after repeated requests from taxpayers, chartered accountants (CAs), and several professional bodies.
Any return filed by December 10 will be treated as on time, meaning taxpayers will not face any late fees or penalties.
If the ITR is filed after December 10, a penalty under Section 234F will apply.
The late fee can range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the taxpayer’s income and how late the filing is.
December 15: Multiple Important Compliance Requirements
December 15 is another significant date packed with various tasks that different categories of taxpayers, institutions, and government offices must complete.
Key responsibilities include:
Uploading Form 27C:
All Form 27C declarations received in November 2025 must be uploaded by this date. These forms relate to goods sold without TCS deduction.
Submission of Form 24G:
Government offices that made TDS or TCS payments without a challan in November must file Form 24G.
Advance Tax Payment:
Taxpayers must pay the third installment of advance tax for Assessment Year 2026–27. Missing this may lead to interest charges under Sections 234B and 234C.
Issuing TDS Certificates:
TDS certificates for deductions made in October 2025 under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M, and 194S must be issued. These typically relate to transactions like property purchases, rent, contractual payments, and virtual digital assets.
Stock Exchange Reporting:
Stock exchanges must submit Form 3BB, which reports any client code modifications made in November.
December 30: TDS, Statements, and International Reporting
As the month nears its end, more important deadlines approach on December 30, 2025. Taxpayers and organizations must complete the following tasks:
Client Code Modification Statement:
Recognized associations must file the client code modification statement for November 2025, ensuring accuracy in all trading-related entries.
Submission of TDS Challan-cum-Statement:
Taxpayers who deducted TDS in November must submit their TDS challan-cum-statement to ensure that all deductions made during the month are properly reported, matched, and accounted for.
Form 3CEAD Submission:
If you are part of an international group or a resident constituent entity of a foreign multinational company, Form 3CEAD must be filed.
This form includes detailed economic and financial information for compliance with global transfer pricing and BEPS guidelines.
December 31: Final Date for Belated and Revised ITRs
The last day of the year—December 31, 2025—is the final chance to file:
Belated returns (if you missed the original due date)
Revised returns (if your previously filed ITR contains any errors)
This deadline applies to the Assessment Year 2025–26. Missing it means you will not be able to file belated or revised returns at all, which could lead to problems in loan processing, refunds, or compliance issues.
Why December Is Critical for Taxpayers
From ITR filings and TDS compliance to advance tax payments and international reporting, December requires extra attention from taxpayers.
Even small mistakes—like missing a form upload or delaying a payment—can result in penalties, notices from the Income Tax Department, or delays in refunds.
Staying aware of these deadlines and completing each task on time helps avoid unnecessary complications and ensures smooth financial and tax management as the financial year comes closer to an end.
