Late fee under section 234F
| Total income | Late fee |
|---|---|
| Below the basic exemption limit | ₹0 |
| Up to ₹5 lakh | ₹1,000 |
| Above ₹5 lakh | ₹5,000 |
The fee is the same whether you file one day or five months late. You pay it with challan 280 (as self-assessment tax, under “Fee”) before you file.
Interest under section 234A
If tax is still unpaid when the due date passes, interest is 1% a month on that unpaid tax, from the day after the due date until you file. Part of a month counts as a full month. If TDS and advance tax already cover your tax, there is no 234A interest, only the fee.
Dates for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)
- 31 July 2026: due date for most salaried people (ITR-1, ITR-2).
- 31 August 2026: due date for business or professional income without an audit (ITR-3, ITR-4).
- 31 December 2026: last date for a belated return.
- 31 March 2027: last date to revise a return. A revision after 31 December carries its own fee.
What you lose by filing late
- Business and capital losses can’t be carried forward to later years.
- Refunds come later, and interest on your refund is cut for the delay.
- After 31 December only an updated return (ITR-U) is possible, with extra tax of 25% or more.
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Questions people ask
What is the last date to file a belated ITR for FY 2025-26?
31 December 2026, or before the assessment is completed, whichever is earlier.
Is there a late fee if I have a refund?
Yes, if your total income is above the basic exemption limit. Section 234F applies to anyone who files late, refund or not. 234A interest is zero if no tax is unpaid.
Can I file ITR after 31 December 2026?
Only as an updated return (ITR-U), which carries extra tax of 25% or more of the tax and interest due and can’t be used to claim a refund.