A business tax return is basically an income tax return. The return is a statement of income and expenditure of the business. Also, any tax to be paid on the profits made by you is declared in this return. The return also contains details of the assets and liabilities held by the business. Items like fixed assets, debtors and creditors of business, loans taken and loans were given are declared here.

For the Individuals not liable to tax audit, the last date for the filing of the return is 31st July after the end of the financial year (Belated return can be filed up-to 31st March subject to penalty)

For individuals liable to tax audit and all other assesses like company, LLP or partnership firm, the due date is 30th September after the end of the financial year. For the FY 2017-18, this due date has been extended from 30 September 2018 to 31 October 2018.

The penalty for non-filing of returns- Any loss incurred during the year cannot be carried forward if the return is filed after the due date of filing income tax return.

Also a fine of Rs. 5000 under the section 271F can be levied on the assessee.