Filing of return for ay09-10

Dear Friends,

Wanted your help to know if today one can submit a return for AY 09-10 even if one has to pay penalty.

Is it so that after 1 year from end of the AY one is simply barred from filing the return.

Is there a time limit after which AO cannot issue Notice for filling return u/s 142(1)(i).

Can an assessee request the AO to issues such a notice to him to enable him file his return.

Any practical experience by fellow forum members would help me as well.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,