Reminder to file tax returns The Income-Tax Department often sends out reminders to those who haven’t filed their income tax returns. These reminders can be sent out for 6 previous years by the department. There is a penalty of up to Rs 5,000 that the department can levy in case of delay in filing returns. If you receive such a reminder, file your returns immediately. It may be possible that you may not be required to file returns by law, which you should intimate the tax department.